It’s a question that has echoed through centuries: Why did Jesus, the master teacher, frequently employ parables in his ministry? The common understanding often suggests that Jesus used these earthly stories to illuminate heavenly truths, making his profound teachings more accessible to the everyday listener. Parables, in this view, are seen as simple illustrations designed to clarify complex spiritual concepts. While there’s a grain of truth to this perspective, it only captures part of the picture. According to Jesus himself, the purpose of parables is far more nuanced, serving not only to reveal but also to conceal truth, depending on the spiritual receptivity of the audience.
Jesus teaching parables to a crowd
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, verses 10-16, Jesus directly addresses his disciples’ inquiry about his use of parables. His answer reveals a dual intention. “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given,” Jesus explains. This statement immediately suggests that the parables operate on different levels, offering enlightenment to some while remaining enigmatic to others. He elaborates, indicating that the ability to grasp the deeper meanings within his teachings is not universally granted. While everyone could hear the stories, not everyone possessed the spiritual awakening necessary to truly understand their significance.
Jesus continues by explaining a principle of spiritual growth and discernment. “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.” This implies that those who are open and receptive to spiritual truth will find the parables enriching their understanding, leading to deeper insights. Conversely, those who are closed off or unwilling to believe will find the parables obscure, further distancing them from the truth. It is in this context that Jesus declares, “This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”
Here, Jesus isn’t contradicting his role as a teacher but rather highlighting the spiritual condition of his audience. When he speaks of “seeing” and “hearing,” he initially refers to physical perception – the ability to witness his actions and hear his words. However, he then transitions to a spiritual sense of “seeing” and “hearing”—understanding and internalizing the deeper meaning. People could physically observe and listen, yet remain spiritually blind and deaf to the true message.
To further clarify this point, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah, connecting his ministry to ancient prophecy and divine purpose. This passage from Isaiah reveals the root cause of this spiritual incomprehension: “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed.” The problem isn’t with the clarity of the message itself, but with the hardened hearts of those who hear it. They are spiritually inert, resistant to truth, and actively shut themselves off from understanding.
This spiritual condition isn’t unique to Jesus’ time; it’s a reflection of the natural human state. Left to our own devices, our spiritual senses are dulled. We may encounter truth, but our inherent inclination is to suppress it, as described in Romans 1:18. However, Jesus also speaks of those given to him by the Father (John 6:37). These are individuals whose hearts are opened, who are granted spiritual awakening. They are the ones who “hear,” “understand,” and “respond” to the parables and the broader message of the Kingdom. For those who have been awakened from spiritual slumber, the parables become sources of profound insight and life transformation.
The Apostle Paul echoes this dual effect of the Gospel message in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16. He writes, “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life.” The same message, the same parables, can evoke entirely different reactions depending on the spiritual state of the listener. For those on the path to salvation, the Gospel, including the parables, is life-giving. But for those who are perishing, it can be perceived as foolishness, even contributing to their condemnation.
Therefore, when considering why Jesus spoke in parables, the answer is contingent on the audience. For those with receptive hearts, those “to whom it has been given,” parables serve as illuminations, revealing deeper spiritual truths and enriching their understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven. But for those who are unwilling to see and hear, those who have closed their eyes and hardened their hearts, the parables function to conceal the truth, preventing them from understanding what they are not yet ready to receive. This spiritual blindness is not arbitrary; it’s a consequence of their own will, a state from which only divine grace can awaken them. As Jesus declared, “But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.” Spiritual sight and understanding are gifts, not entitlements, prompting humility and gratitude in those who receive them.
Our struggle with this aspect of Jesus’ teaching often stems not from a lack of comprehension, but from a discomfort with its implications. We may prefer to soften or reinterpret Jesus’ words to align with our own sensibilities. However, doing so risks diminishing the profound truth of our spiritual condition and the magnitude of grace required for spiritual awakening. The parables, when rightly understood, reveal not only the mysteries of the Kingdom but also the depth of our dependence on divine grace for spiritual life. If these parables resonate with life within our souls, the appropriate response is one of profound thankfulness and praise for the gift of salvation.
-D. Eaton
Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 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. 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. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
– Matthew 13:10-16
