There is no question that God is mysterious and difficult to understand. That is logical when finite beings seek to relate to the eternal, all-knowing, omnipotent, Creator of the universe. But did you know that Jesus intentionally withheld revelation when he preached to people? It is commonly understood that Jesus used parables to illustrate or teach truth. Interestingly, he also used parables to conceal spiritual realities. In Matthew 13:10 the disciples ask Jesus why he spoke to the crowds in parables. He responded by saying, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."
Let our hearts be good soil
What a strange thought that Jesus would purposefully hide revelation from the people who were eagerly following him. Why would he do this? Perhaps Jesus is testing our hearts, looking for disciples who are so hungry to get to know him better they are willing to make a sincere effort for greater understanding. He desires lovers in pursuit of greater intimacy. He is giving an opportunity for those who want more to seek his face.
Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world." Matthew 13:34-35
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