The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.”
Matthew 13:10,11
Of all the people who heard Jesus speak the parables of the sower, it was the disciples who came to Him and asked Him about what He just spoke. But they didn't ask Him about the meaning of the parables. They were more interested in why He was speaking in parables in the first place. This time, He didn't respond with a curve ball, as He was often known to do (reference John 4, Matthew 12:43, etc.) Rather, this time He replied directly "the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." Explaining still more, He references Isaiah 6:9,10.
"Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’
Make the heart of this people calloused;
make their ears dull
and close their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed."
be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’
Make the heart of this people calloused;
make their ears dull
and close their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed."
Calloused hearts, dull ears and closed eyes - these are the fruits of those who hear, shrug their shoulders and walk away. Father shuts the minds of those who don't want to know, or be known. But to those who wrestle with Him, as Jacob wrestled the Angel (Genesis 32:22-32), Jesus blesses with the gift of revelation.
To such as these have been given the secrets of the kingdom. And even more.
Photo copyright © Jim White
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