Parables are efficient mode of passing out important information in form of stories without loosing sight of it’s true meaning. The human society is not alien to this fact. Most times, stories about the origin of the human beings and the creation of other things are explained through mythical stories and parables. The meanings we get in parables are sometimes complex and could only be understood by a heart that is open to understanding and listening through wisdom.
Jesus uses different parables to teach the truth about the kingdom of God to both His disciples and to His listeners. The disciples came up with a genuine question and Jesus answers them. Their question concern Jesus’ use of parables in teaching the people. Jesus’ answer is tied to the history of the Jewish people.
Today in the gospel, the disciples went up to Jesus and asked, ‘Why do you talk to them in parables?’ ‘Because’ He replied, ‘the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are revealed to you, but they are not revealed to them. For anyone who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough; but from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
The reason I talk to them in parables is that they look without seeing and listen without hearing or understanding. So in their case this prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled: You will listen and listen again, but not understand, see and see again, but not perceive” (Matthew 13:10-17).
There are several reasons why Jesus uses parables to teach them. He wanted them to be more attentive and reflective to the truth in those parables. Most times, stories and parables are very attractive in order to have a clearer picture of the messages passed. He captures the attention of those who admires His messages.
In parables, listeners often analyse the messages and infers to more other messages that may be contained in such parables. On the other hand, those who have less reflective brain, refuses to accept what is contained in the messages that Jesus tries to teach them. That was why Jesus quoted that, the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, that they may listen and would not understand, they would look and cannot see.
It refers also to us, who like to pay attention to the unimportant details to our lives leaving behind the truth that the scriptures teaches us. We are often blinded to the spiritual insight that Jesus wants us to possess, because we lack a heart that listens and reflect on important details. Let us be people of great wisdom who would listen and reflect on the messages of eternal life that Jesus brings to us. Peace be with you.
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