What reply did Christ make?
Answer
"He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more
abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to
them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."
Verses 11-13.
NOTE - Christ's object, therefore, in using parables was to teach the mysteries, or truths, of the
kingdom of heaven-truths not necessarily difficult to understand, but which had long been hidden or
obscured by sin, apostasy, and tradition-in such a way that the spiritually minded and those desirous of
learning the truth, might understand them, and the worldly minded and unwilling would not. When asked
the meaning of any parable, Christ readily explained it to His disciples. Matt. 13: 36-43; Mark 4: 33, 34.
See Luke 9: 9-15.
What great blessing did Christ confer upon His disciples after His resurrection?
By what should we test, or prove, all doctrine?
How well acquainted is God with each individual's life?
What is first commanded in the Sabbath commandment?
Of what is the Sabbath commandment a part?
5. Before their entrance into Canaan, what instruction did Moses give Israel concerning these things?
What did the Ephesians do upon hearing the gospel?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle