Matthew 13:10-13

Matthew 13:10-13 (ESV): “10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 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.”

Parables are earthly stories that portray heavenly principles. Jesus used them both to reveal and to conceal truth from His hearers.

After giving the Parable of the Sower, the disciples asked Jesus why He spoke to the crowds in parables. His response was simple: to those who believe in Him, more will be given, but to those who do not believe, even the simplest truth will be hidden so as not to cause further hardening of heart. In other words, Jesus was protecting the unbeliever from greater condemnation while blessing the believer with greater understanding.

How do you approach the Word of God? If you come with unbelief, you will miss much of what is being taught. It is a spiritually discerned Book that requires faith. The more you come in this way, the more you will understand. God conceals truth as a means of mercy to the unbeliever, but to those who diligently seek Him, more will be given. Amen?

Father, protect our hearts from unbelief as we read Your Word. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen and amen.