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.
For what is all Scripture profitable?
What reason did Solomon give for urging all to fear God and keep His commandments?
How was the ceremonial law made known to Israel?
With what question did Christ meet their false ideas and reasoning regarding Sabbath-keeping?
What is said of those embraced in the first resurrection?
What did John the Baptist say to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to his baptism?
Who is the seed to whom this promise was made?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle