10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” (Matthew 13:10–13, NKJV)
The purpose of teaching is to impart knowledge. Jesus used parables to make known the hidden things of the kingdom of heaven (v. 11). Like any other teaching and learning context, the attitude of heart of the hearer or student is crucial to whether the knowledge is received. While Jesus imparted knowledge to His disciples by parables, the hearts of others were hardened by the same teaching (Matt. 13:14-15). The same sun that hardens clay melts butter. Be careful what kind of heart you have as you hear the word of Christ. Have a heart that is receptive, ready to learn, understand and live the gospel of Christ.
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