Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples' question, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" reveals something crucial: they saw parables as a barrier to understanding, not a bridge. This highlights their initial misunderstanding of Jesus' teaching method, which, as He explains, was designed to reveal truth to the receptive while obscuring it from the hardened heart.
Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus speaks a parable to the large crowd gathered by the sea, the disciples privately approach him, perplexed by his teaching method. They ask why he chooses to speak in parables rather than more direct language. This question leads Jesus to explain that parables are meant to reveal spiritual truths to those who are receptive, while obscuring them from those who are not truly seeking God.
Ever wondered why Jesus, the Master Teacher, chose stories instead of direct explanations? It might not be for the reason you think. The disciples themselves were puzzled!
When Jesus began speaking in parables, his disciples, including those closest to him, were confused. They asked, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” (Matthew 13:10). The common assumption is that parables were used to hide truth from the crowds. However, the deeper teaching here suggests a different purpose.
A Way to Reveal, Not Conceal
Jesus explained that for those who were open and seeking, parables actually revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Think of it like a puzzle; it takes effort, but the reward is a deeper understanding. The parables were designed to engage the listener, prompting them to think and discover the truth for themselves.
A Filter for the Heart
For those with hard hearts or unwilling ears, the parables acted as a filter. They didn't create the hardness, but they exposed it. If someone wasn't truly seeking God, the story would remain just a story, obscuring the deeper spiritual meaning. It wasn't about God being unfair, but about how people responded to the truth presented.
Jesus told his closest followers, 'To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.' What did this special access mean, and why them?
Jesus’ answer to his disciples’ question in Matthew 13:11 reveals a profound truth about their relationship with him and the kingdom:
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A Gift of Understanding
Jesus clearly states, 'To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.' This wasn't because the disciples were inherently smarter or more deserving. They had left everything to follow Jesus, demonstrating a willingness to learn and a heart open to His teachings. This openness was the key that unlocked understanding.
The Principle of Engagement
Jesus then explains a principle: 'For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken away' (Matthew 13:12). This applies to spiritual understanding. Those who actively engage with God’s truth, who 'have ears to hear,' will be given deeper insight. Conversely, those who are closed off or don't utilize what they've been given will find their limited understanding diminish.
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Those who follow Jesus, characterized by a willingness to learn, ask questions, and submit to His teaching. They are distinguished by their desire to know the hidden truths of the kingdom that are veiled to the casual observer.
parabolē · Greek Noun
An earthly story with a heavenly meaning; a teaching device used by Jesus to reveal truth to those seeking God while simultaneously veiling it from those with hardened or rebellious hearts.
c. 28 AD
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus starts teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee, attracting large crowds of followers and drawing the attention of religious authorities.
c. 29 AD
Growing popularity and crowds
Jesus's fame spreads, leading to massive gatherings wherever he goes. He often teaches large groups, sometimes needing to move to boats to be heard over the noise of the crowds on shore.
c. 29 AD— this verse
Jesus teaches in parables
Jesus begins using parables extensively, particularly when addressing larger, mixed crowds. This method allows for deeper spiritual truths to be revealed to receptive hearts while veiling them from those who are unreceptive or hostile.
c. 29 AD
Disciples inquire about parables
Jesus's close followers, observing his teaching method, ask him directly why he uses parables instead of speaking plainly to the crowds.
c. 29 AD
Jesus explains the purpose of parables
Jesus explains to his disciples that parables are a way to reveal spiritual truths to those who seek them (the disciples) while concealing them from those who are hardened or unwilling to understand, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
This passage provides a parallel account where the disciples also asked Jesus about His parables, indicating this was a significant point of confusion for them.
Luke 8:9Luke's Gospel shows the disciples asking Jesus specifically about the meaning of the parable, highlighting their desire for deeper understanding beyond the spoken word.
Isaiah 6:9-10Jesus quotes this prophetic passage to explain *why* He speaks in parables – to fulfill God's sovereign purpose that some would see and hear but not understand, a difficult but crucial aspect of His ministry.
Matthew 11:25This verse reveals a similar theme where Jesus thanks the Father for hiding certain truths from the wise and reveals them to infants, showing God’s sovereign choice in who understands His mysteries.
John 12:39-40This passage directly links the people's inability to believe in Jesus to Isaiah’s prophecy, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' parables were part of a divinely ordained purpose for certain hearers.
barnesMatthew 13:10: "And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?"
Christ, in these verses, gives a "reason" why he used this manner of instruction. See also Mark 4:10-12 ; Luke 8:9-10 .
bensonMatthew 13:10: "And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?"
Matthew 13:10-12 . The disciples — Mark says, οι περι αυτον συν τοις δωδεκα , those that were about him, with the twelve, that is, not only the apostles, but such other well-disposed persons as generally attended on Christ’s ministry, and were desirous of learning of him; came to him, namely, when the assembly was broke up, and Christ had delivered many other parables afterward mentioned; for th…
The disciples' question, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" reveals something crucial: they saw parables as a barrier to understanding, not a bridge. This highlights their initial misunderstanding of Jesus' teaching method, which, as He explains, was designed to reveal truth to the receptive while obscuring it from the hardened heart.
After Jesus speaks a parable to the large crowd gathered by the sea, the disciples privately approach him, perplexed by his teaching method. They ask why he chooses to speak in parables rather than more direct language. This question leads Jesus to explain that parables are meant to reveal spiritual truths to those who are receptive, while obscuring them from those who are not truly seeking God.
After Jesus speaks a parable to the large crowd gathered by the sea, the disciples privately approach him, perplexed by his teaching method. They ask why he chooses to speak in parables rather than more direct language. This question leads Jesus to explain that parables are meant to reveal spiritual truths to those who are receptive, while obscuring them from those who are not truly seeking God.
"Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”" — The disciples' question, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" reveals something crucial: they saw parables as a barrier to understanding, not a bridge. This highlights their initial misunderstandi…
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Last reviewed October 2026