It is amazing how when something is said, there are times when some people get it while others do not. When it seems clear to us, we might wonder why it is not for others. There are also times when people get what is being said but angrily reject it because they know it is about them, as was the case with some of the leaders listening to the parables of Jesus. (i.e. Matthew 21:45-46)
When Jesus first began to speak in parables, His disciples asked Him why He did so. (Matthew 13:10) That speaking in parables was a fulfillment of prophecy. (Matthew 13:34-35) Also, as was illustrated through Jesus’ parable of the sower (explained in Matthew 13:18-23), much depends on the heart condition of the listener. The condition of hard hearts had also been a subject of prophecy. (Matthew 13:14-15; cited from Isaiah 6:9 & 10) Therefore, it remains possible for the same message to be heard with differing outcomes.
Jesus noted the blessing for His disciples where we read. . .
“(16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. (17) For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” (Matthew 13:16-17 ESV)
What others earlier had sought to see relative to what would be fulfilled through Jesus, they were becoming the witnesses of. However, are we not also in a very blessed position as we have accepted the truth of the life and teachings of Jesus? Coming to understand how Jesus fit the Messianic prophecies and reading the eyewitness accounts making “the prophetic word more fully confirmed” (2 Peter 1:18-19 ESV), we too are blessed with seeing what the prophets wondered about as they spoke (1 Peter 1:10-12), things of which even angels had longed to look into. (1 Peter 1:12)
When Jesus asked His disciples if they understood, they affirmed they did (Matthew 13:51) as He had even explained some of the parables to them. (i.e. Matthew 13:18-23, 36-43) Jesus’ response to their questions also benefits us in helping us clearly understand the intent of Jesus’ teaching. Understanding the need for spiritual discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14-15), may we continue in the blessing by retaining an open heart to what we can understand every time we read the Scriptures. In this continuance we will gain a clearer and clearer perspective of what others have longed to look into!
Have a great day AS A BLESSED BELIEVER!
Carl
