Knowing The Word in Matthew 13:10-17

The Purpose of the Parables [private]

10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”[Important question. Why do you think the disciples asked Jesus this question? Why is Jesus using this cryptic form of teaching?] 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets [the mystery] of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. [There is a division of people into two groups: those that understand the revelation of God and those that do not.] 12 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. [The secrets of the kingdom can only be grasped by those who have the spiritual capacity to receive them. How does one obtain this spiritual capacity?] 13 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. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says [Jesus here re-enacts (and fulfills) the role of the Old Testament prophet]:

“‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15 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.’ [Isaiah 6:9-10. The more Jesus says, the worse the situation will become for those without spiritual understanding. How do we get spiritual understanding? The how and to whom spiritual insight is given is not part of this passage. Where should we look?]

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 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. [Jesus is claiming that the hopes of Israel are now fulfilled in him and his ministry.]