Why Jesus Speaks in Parables | Hearing and Seeing with an Open Heart | Matthew 13:10-15

Read His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” He replied,“You are permitted to understand the secrets* of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’* (Matthew 13:10–15, NLT)

Notice What stands out to you in this passage? Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention? Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread Hear these words again — and pay attention to the difference between seeing and truly seeing, hearing and truly hearing.

Meditate The disciples ask a fair question: why parables? Why not just say what You mean plainly? Jesus’ answer is surprising. Parables are not simpler than direct teaching — they are more demanding. They require the listener to lean in, to think, to seek. And in that seeking, something happens: those who genuinely want to understand find that understanding opens up. Those who are watching and listening with a closed heart find the parable slides past them without leaving a mark. The posture of the heart determines what it receives. A heart that is genuinely open — will find that God meets it with more than it came looking for. A heart that is closed will find that even what it has gradually fades. Isaiah’s words, quoted here, are a diagnosis of the heart. Hardened hearts, closed eyes, stopped ears are the result of repeated choices not to respond, not to turn, not to receive. The invitation: come with an open heart. Lean in. Seek. And find that Jesus meets you with far more than you expected. Take a few moments to reflect on this question: Am I approaching Jesus’ words with genuine hunger and openness?

Respond Jesus, soften any hardness in me. Open what has been closed. I come to You, meet me here.

Exercise The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits. Habit: Backup Listener Listening to others has become a lost art. We are so distracted and used to multitasking that we don’t allow ourselves to be fully present in our conversations. One way we can serve others is by truly listening — giving them the gift of our full attention. Today’s step: Be fully present in one conversation. Put away distractions. Make eye contact. Hear not only the words, but the heart behind them. Give someone the gift of being truly heard today.

I have one ask of you before you go, would you please consider supporting this podcast with a coffee today? One coffee at a time will help me to keep this podcast growing to help more people walk with Jesus. Click the coffee link and give a simple gift. That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today. Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it. Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.