Matthew 13-18
For many centuries people have questioned why Jesus spoke in parables and stories. In fact many ask me why I always include some sort of story in my sermons and teachings. Of course I’m not suggesting that I am equal to Jesus but I do know that people associate better with stories. A truth told in the context of a story somehow sounds less threatening than if were directed at us personally. Of course that does not guarantee that listeners of our stories won’t feel like they have been isolated in the story but, at least in terms of my sermons, is a mere coincidence and not be intention. The same cannot be said of the Lord.
“He answered and said to them, ‘Behold it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.’” (Matthew 13.11) Here our Lord seems to be suggesting that only some have been welcomed “in” so to speak, but that is NOT what is being conveyed here.
“He who sows the good seed in the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares [weeds] are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil.” (Matthew 13.37-39) Here Christ, in explaining one parable, explains that some who are standing by and listening are not interested in hearing the truth because they are loyal to the devil. The same can be true in our Churches.
My brothers and sisters we have been given the great gift of hearing the Word of God sometimes even in parables. It is up to us whether or not we have “ears to hear” the truth and be convinced to follow Jesus. Consider that next time you hear the parables of Christ.
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