Secrets Revealed

N.T.#145 "Secrets Revealed"

Sept. 15, 2023

Matthew 13-Part 2

Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables, and He would not speak anything to them without a parable, do that what was spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled. (verse 34a)

LET IT GLOW

I will open My mouth in parables; 

I will declare things kept secret

from the foundation of the world. (verse 34b; Ps. 78:2)

While speaking to the crowds, Jesus used may stories or parables. These stories compare something familiar to something unfamiliar, helping us understand spiritual truth by using everyday objects and relationships. Not only that, it was a way of concealing the truth from those too stubborn to see it. Each parable has a central meaning unless otherwise specified by Jesus. (Life Application Study Bible)

Jesus began teaching in parables to conceal truth from those who denied Him as much as He wanted to reveal truth to those who desired Him. It required the hearer to listen with an open heart and mind, with Jesus being the interpretive key.  

In the Greek, parable refers to a fictitious narrative (conveying a moral); comparison; proverb. 

LET IT GROW

Can we say that a parable is a story used to explain a spiritual truth? But why did Jesus speak in parables? The disciples asked Him that question in verse 10. Here is His answer:

Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given to him, and he will have more than enough. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. (verses 11-12)

When believers sincerely seek Truth, it will be found. However, unbelievers who reject Jesus, their hardness of heart drives away or renders useless even the little understanding they had. Do we have a willingness to understand? Will we use spiritual discernment, willing to learn, accepting the Holy Spirit's guidance? He who has an ear, let him hear.

LET IT GO 

Teach us Your Truths, Jesus.

Help us to understand.

What a wonderful God You are!