The Secret Message

Matthew 13:10–17
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I read in a chapter of Italian history of a poor girl in a dungeon, on a damp floor, in a dark room, with scanty fare, her life ebbing out. One year she stays, three years she stays, six years she stays; and after the sixth year there is a corpse on the marble floor. They throw i … More

Secrecy

As the disciples noticed a change in Jesus’ method of teaching they came and asked Him why He was speaking in parables (v. 10). The Lord gave them three reasons:

To make known to them the secrets of the kingdom of heaven (vv. 11-12). This referred to truths not revealed in the Old Testament about His reign on earth. Many Old Testament prophets had predicted that the Messiah would deliver Israel and establish His kingdom on earth.
To hide the truth from unbelievers (v.11). The secrets of the kingdom would be given to the disciples, but would be hidden from the religious leaders who rejected Him; “but to them it is not given”. Thus they carried a judgmental aspect.
To fulfill (Isa. 6:9-10) that people would not understand his message (vv. 13-15). He preached the Word of God and many people saw but they did not understand.

You are blessed because you see with your eyes and hear with your ears (v. 16). The disciples were privileged to hear and understand truths that people in the Old Testament times longed to know (v. 17). These people wanted to hear the things that you now hear, but they did not hear them.

Application

What did the disciples see and hear that the prophets longed to see and hear? What new insight has God given to me about himself and yourself in the last year. What spiritual truth have you applied in your life in the past month?

Matthew 13:10-17 (English Standard Version)

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