Matthew 13: 10-14
Most of those who knew Jesus as the One to follow we call disciples. Around the teacher gathered a group who travelled with him and to whom he entrusted his mission. Most great teachers or leaders are like this. Presidents have their kitchen cabinets. Businessmen have their personal advisors. Kings and queens found the few they could trust and relied on them. However, no matter how close these relationships are, the leader is never completely understood. Questions remain even within the inner circle. So the synoptic writers tell us often of the disciples’ questions.
In today’s passage after listening with the crowds to Jesus’ story of the Sower, when the disciples were alone with the Teacher they asked, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” In other words why not say straight out what you mean? Often perhaps we too wonder why Jesus does not clearly state who he is, what he wants, and what he intends to do. Our leaders also often keep the public in the dark, and at times we feel angry and cheated because we didn’t really know. Information at times seems to be important capital to be guarded and not shared.
Why do you think Jesus does not always tell us plainly and unequivocally what he wants?
The answer has a chilling quality. Parables are used purposefully, Jesus said, to keep the crowds from knowing. Only the disciples are to know the “secrets of the kingdom”. A teacher who does not want understanding, a leader who speaks in riddles to prevent clarity, a Messiah revealed only to a few—these thoughts are hard to swallow.
What does Jesus’ answer mean to you?
Perhaps it means commitment to the Rabbi must precede understanding. Perhaps those whose minds are closed to a new way cannot become a disciple. Perhaps the narrow way is not one the masses can follow. Perhaps…
Lord Jesus, we would be your disciples. We would understand the secrets of the kingdom. Give to us your grace. Give to us your wisdom. Forgive our refusals to hear and see. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
Most of those who knew Jesus as the One to follow we call disciples. Around the teacher gathered a group who travelled with him and to whom he entrusted his mission. Most great teachers or leaders are like this. Presidents have their kitchen cabinets. Businessmen have their personal advisors. Kings and queens found the few they could trust and relied on them. However, no matter how close these relationships are, the leader is never completely understood. Questions remain even within the inner circle. So the synoptic writers tell us often of the disciples’ questions.
In today’s passage after listening with the crowds to Jesus’ story of the Sower, when the disciples were alone with the Teacher they asked, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” In other words why not say straight out what you mean? Often perhaps we too wonder why Jesus does not clearly state who he is, what he wants, and what he intends to do. Our leaders also often keep the public in the dark, and at times we feel angry and cheated because we didn’t really know. Information at times seems to be important capital to be guarded and not shared.
Why do you think Jesus does not always tell us plainly and unequivocally what he wants?
The answer has a chilling quality. Parables are used purposefully, Jesus said, to keep the crowds from knowing. Only the disciples are to know the “secrets of the kingdom”. A teacher who does not want understanding, a leader who speaks in riddles to prevent clarity, a Messiah revealed only to a few—these thoughts are hard to swallow.
What does Jesus’ answer mean to you?
Perhaps it means commitment to the Rabbi must precede understanding. Perhaps those whose minds are closed to a new way cannot become a disciple. Perhaps the narrow way is not one the masses can follow. Perhaps…
Lord Jesus, we would be your disciples. We would understand the secrets of the kingdom. Give to us your grace. Give to us your wisdom. Forgive our refusals to hear and see. Amen.
Blessings, Caroline
Perhaps, if we can live; love thy neighbour and honour and love thy creator will we also understand the parables and not need to say anymore; we would be your disciples, or we would listen, or forgive us because we do not hear your voice.
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