Jesus begins by explaining why He communicates with the people in parables. Parables are earthly stories with heavenly meanings, crafted to convey profound spiritual truths in a way that engages the listener's imagination and prompts reflection.
- Seeing, Hearing, and Understanding:
The repetition in the verse emphasizes a crucial point—mere physical seeing and hearing do not necessarily lead to understanding. Jesus is highlighting a spiritual dimension beyond the outward senses. It's an invitation to perceive with the heart and comprehend with spiritual insight.
- The Spiritual Blindness and Deafness:
The phrase "seeing they don't see" and "hearing, they don't hear" suggests a spiritual condition—blindness and deafness to the deeper truths Jesus is imparting. This is not a lack of physical ability but a spiritual state of not grasping the significance of His teachings.
- Isaiah's Prophecy:
This statement by Jesus echoes the prophecy of Isaiah, emphasizing the continuity of God's message across the Old and New Testaments. In Isaiah 6:9-10, the prophet receives a commission to proclaim a message that, while heard, will not be understood by the people—a message that finds its fulfillment in Jesus' ministry.
- Deeper Spiritual Insight:
Jesus, by speaking in parables, calls His listeners to go beyond the surface and seek deeper spiritual insight. The parables serve as a means of inviting genuine seekers to delve into the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
- Spiritual Receptivity:
The verse doesn't imply that Jesus desires to keep the truth hidden but rather underscores the necessity of spiritual receptivity. Those who approach His teachings with open hearts and a hunger for truth are granted understanding through the illumination of the Holy Spirit.
Cross References:
Matthew 13:16-17: In the verses that follow, Jesus contrasts those who see and hear without understanding with His disciples, to whom the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed. This reinforces the idea that spiritual insight is a gift granted to those who approach Jesus with faith.
Isaiah 29:13: "The Lord said, 'Because this people draws near with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but they have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which has been taught to them.'" This passage in Isaiah aligns with Jesus' critique, emphasizing the importance of genuine heart engagement with God.
Jeremiah 5:21: "Hear now this, foolish people, and without understanding; who have eyes, and don’t see; who have ears, and don’t hear." Jeremiah echoes a similar sentiment about spiritual blindness and deafness among the people.
Jesus' use of parables is not a means of exclusion but an invitation to seek, ask, and knock for deeper understanding (Matthew 7:7-8). The spiritual truths He imparts are not hidden from those with a sincere desire to know and follow Him. As we engage with His teachings, may our hearts be open to receive the insights of the Spirit and may we, like the disciples, be granted the privilege of understanding the mysteries of God's kingdom.
See also: vs 16-17
Matthew 13:13. “I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don’t see, and hearing, they don’t hear, neither do they understand.”