Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Matthew 13 and Psalm 13

In chapter 13, Matthew records a series of Jesus’ parables, as well as His explanations of some of those parables. The chapter also includes the disciples’ question, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” (v.10). Jesus’ answer is quite cryptic in some ways, but when we take a step back and view it in the light of what we know about Jesus and about human nature, it begins to make sense.

Jesus says, “To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables …” (v.12-13)

We’ll only understand properly once we realise that by, “my teaching”, He is referring to His teaching that was very plainly and directly given.

His direct teaching was perfectly well-received and understandable to those who were open to Him, searching for truth, and ready to receive what He revealed (i.e. “those who listen“). But at the same time, those who had already made up their minds about Him and were too proud and arrogant to receive the truth he taught (“those who are not listening“) actually hardened their hearts and minds against Him even more in response to His direct truth-telling.

So, out of love for even His most arrogant and hardened detractors, Jesus chose to teach in the form of parables. The parables were His way of trying to get through to unbelieving and resistant people by giving them a story that would haunt them and keep them thinking long enough that the truth hidden in the parable would sneak up on them and convict them of that to which they had chosen to be blind and deaf. The parables were a last-ditch, loving form of truth-telling to a rebellious and hardened people.

Life Application: Refuse to become hardened against those who have hardened their hearts to the Gospel of Jesus. Keep looking for creative ways to show and tell them about the love of Jesus. If a direct approach simply puts them off, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and keep reaching out in love and tender care as He directs you.