Matthew 13:10-17 ESV Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:
“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand,
and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
For this people’s heart has grown dull,
and with their ears they can barely hear,
and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
and turn, and I would heal them.’
But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
Parables have two great benefits compared to lecturing. First, they give a story that makes the point easier to remember. Jesus could have simply said, “There are four possible outcomes when someone hears the gospel, three of them are bad, but the good one is awesome.” That conveys a similar message but the parable creates a framework to help us remember it.
The second reason Jesus used parables is explained in today’s passage. He wanted to make the audience work for the lesson. He told them a story but didn’t explain the meaning. The story made it easy to remember but they had to think and ponder to figure out what it meant.
To the people who already followed Him, Jesus clearly explained the meaning of the parables. The disciples had already demonstrated their devotion to Jesus and His teachings. To the crowds though, He gave tantalizing hints but left them to figure it out.
When something is easily attained it is usually not appreciated. At least not near as much as something one has to work for. A person who can just turn on the tap and get an unlimited supply of water will not value that water as much as the person who must draw water from a well and carry it to the house in buckets.
Additionally, a person who never has to work for anything becomes spoiled and lazy. Parents who give their children too much do those children a disservice. Making a child earn things and take responsibility will pay dividends later in life.
God wants us to make an effort in following Him. If God spoon-fed us everything, it would cheapen our relationship with Him. While God gives us very specific instructions on some things (ex. adultery is always wrong), He leaves much to our own interpretation (ex. generosity, how much we should share with the poor).
The Bible tells us God has a plan for each of us (Ephesians 2:10). However, He rarely reveals it quickly or in large chunks. Rather He allows us to learn it one step at a time as we seek His will for us.
Jesus taught in parables so that the crowds would wrestle with those stories for months afterwards. If they put in the effort, I am confident that God eventually gave them understanding. Just as when we wrestle with some of the mysteries in the Bible God eventually gives us understanding.
Too often Christians are lazy. They just want someone to tell them what God is saying. They do not make the effort to understand the Bible through study or listen to the Holy Spirit through meditation and prayer. That is how people get led astray and end up accepting false teaching. God requires us to diligently seek after Him. “I was misled.” will not be an acceptable excuse when we come face to face with God on Judgment Day.
Lord God, thank You for revealing Yourself to those who faithfully seek after You. Keep me from growing weary in the effort and protect me from the temptation to take shortcuts. Honor my desire and efforts to follow where You lead.