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 writings are specifically mentioned as containing some things difficult to understand?
What is God's love able to do for His children?
To whom, therefore, should we ascribe glory and honor?
What classes of persons are necessarily shut out of the kingdom of God?
Who appeared to accuse Christ before Herod?
How, then, did the Lord prove the people (verse 4) whether they would keep His law, or not?
On opening the fifth seal, what was seen under the altar?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle