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Matthew 13:10-11
In Matthew 13:10, the disciples of Jesus asked Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”, as He has completed telling the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3-9). Jesus explains this parable in Matthew 13:11-17, but I wanted to take today’s lesson and focus on the first comment that Jesus made in His explanation as we see in Matthew 13:11. He states (NKJV), “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”
This is an example of the enlightenment that comes through seeking Jesus.
This is a promise that those who put their faith/belief in Jesus will be given understanding to His teachings as we grow in our relationships with Him.
In John 14:15-18 (HCSB) Jesus states, “If you love Me, you will keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.” And in John 14:26 Jesus states, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit – the Father will send Him in My name – will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.”
Jesus, teaching through parables is a fulfillment of prophecy as we see in Matthew 13:11-17. As we learn more and more about the teachings of Jesus, He, through His Holy Spirit, guides us and puts in our hearts the realization and understanding of the Bible – He helps us make the connection to His words and teachings as they relate to one another. Many people refuse to read the Bible because they had been told that the Bible contradicts itself, but the truth is that there is no passages in the Bible that are contradicting to one another, and as we learn to understand the Bible we begin to see the uniqueness of the complementary writings of the prophets and apostles. This is all made possible through God’s Holy Spirit living within us – in our hearts, to be our Guide and Counselor. Those who refuse to open their hearts to Jesus, refuse to receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit and are unable to receive the realization and understanding that only comes through Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6a). If you will open your heart to Jesus today, you too will receive a new life and a new beginning to understanding God’s Word – the Bible.
Dear LORD,
We want to learn and understand Your Word and of how we can implement the teachings of Jesus into our lives and produce a bountiful harvest of leading others to You so they to can begin a new life in Christ as we have also opened our hearts to the forgiveness and salvation that only comes through putting our faith in our Savior Jesus. Please help us to understand and realize the truths that You are trying to teach us – in Christ! In Jesus name I pray, amen.