Why Christ Spoke in Parables

Jesus often spoke in parables, and His disciples once asked Him why. He answered them plainly, saying, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted." Matthew 13:11. His words make it clear—parables were not just simple stories, but a way of separating those who truly sought God from those who had no desire to understand.

The crowds that followed Jesus were large, but their reasons for listening varied. Some came out of curiosity, others to see miracles, and some, like the Pharisees, only wanted to find fault with Him. Yet among the crowds were those who hungered for truth, those who wanted to understand the deeper things of God. Jesus used parables to reveal truth to those who had ears to hear, while at the same time, keeping it hidden from those whose hearts were hardened.

This was a fulfillment of prophecy. "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world." Matthew 13:35, referencing Psalm 78:2. Those who truly sought understanding would press in, ask questions, and meditate on His words, while others would dismiss them as mere stories. This separation was not to keep people away but to reveal the condition of their hearts. A hardened heart would hear but not perceive, while a seeking heart would listen and understand.

Jesus explained this further when He quoted Isaiah, saying, "For the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and return, and I would heal them." Matthew 13:15. Those who refused to see or hear were not denied the truth—it was their own rejection of God that kept them blind. But to those who longed to know, Jesus gave them the keys to the kingdom.

Even His disciples sometimes struggled to understand, and when they asked, He explained the parables to them. This shows that God does not leave the sincere seeker without answers. He desires to be found by those who seek Him with all their heart. "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13.

The same is true today. Many read the Bible, but not all seek to understand. Some approach God’s Word casually, while others approach it with a deep hunger to know Him. Jesus’ parables remind us that truth is available to those who truly desire it. The question is, do we have ears to hear?

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

I’d love to hear how this post spoke to you. Have you experienced anything similar in your walk with God? Feel free to share. Let’s encourage one another in faith! Please reach out at: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)