Why Parables?

". . . The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them."  Matthew 13:11


The disciples wanted to know why Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables.  His answer was that they (the disciples) had more knowledge of heaven than the people in the crowd.


He went on to say that the people, though seeing do not see, and though hearing, do not hear.  Jesus reminded them that Isaiah had prophesied that people would always hear, but never understand and always see, but never perceive.  He said the people had become calloused.  They had shut their ears and eyes and hearts.


In order for Jesus to heal the people in the crowds, he needed them to open up their minds and hearts so that they could more clearly grasp what he was teaching.


So Jesus taught with stories so that he might catch the attention of all who attended his gatherings.  He said he would speak in parables and thereby would tell the crowds things that had been hidden since creation.


He made the truths easier to understand.  It was their job to look, listen, comprehend and believe.




 A  Prayer For Reading Scripture


Father, please help me to read the words you want me to read.
Then, teach me to understand what I have read.
And further, to communicate this new knowledge to others,
So that they can understand as well.


Lou Hough