One of the New Testament Challenge participants has posed a good question. It seems to say in Matthew, Mark and now in Luke that Jesus spoke is parables so that not everyone would understand. Why would Jesus not want people to understand?
Rev. Steve Langhofer responds:
A couple of insights. First from William Barclay in his commentary on Matthew 13.... "the parable conceals truth from those who are either too lazy or too blinded by prejudice to see." In other words, not everybody wants to understand. It takes work. You have to think hard. You have to let some preconceived notions go, and be open to new ones that may prove uncomfortable. Some want to receive great insight without any effort. Doesn't work that way.
Secondly, a quote from Eugene Peterson's The Message: (concerning parables) "Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. "
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