Matthew 13:10-12
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The disciples' question reveals a common human tendency: to see difficult truths as obstacles rather than opportunities. They ask "Why speak to them in parables?" implying a desire for clear, easy answers for everyone, missing that the parables themselves are a way for God to reveal His mysteries to those who are ready.
Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples witness Jesus speaking in parables to the crowds gathered by the sea and, once they are alone with him, they ask why he's using this method. They are puzzled because parables, while sometimes used by teachers, could make understanding the kingdom of heaven's mysteries difficult for the average person. Jesus will then explain that this method of teaching is intentional, both to reveal truths to those who are open and to obscure them from those who are resistant.
Why would Jesus use stories that people might not understand? It seems counterintuitive for a teacher. But the Bible reveals a deeper purpose.
Jesus’ use of parables wasn't meant to confuse everyone, but to separate those with open hearts from those who were resistant.
A Divine Sorting
In Matthew 13:10-13, Jesus explains to his disciples that parables serve a dual purpose. For those like the disciples, who have come to Him with a desire to learn, the parables reveal the deeper truths of the kingdom of heaven. For those outside this circle, their hearts hardened by resistance and prejudice, the parables act as a veil, obscuring the truth.
The Law of God's Dealing
This isn't arbitrary. Jesus connects this to a universal principle: 'For whoever has, will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.' (Matthew 13:12). This means God meets people where they are. Those who engage with truth are given more understanding, while those who reject it find their limited grasp on truth slipping away.
Jesus didn't just tell stories; He used them as a divine diagnostic tool. What does that mean for us today?
The disciples’ question, 'Why do you speak to them in parables?' (Matthew 13:10) reveals their initial confusion. They saw parables as a barrier to understanding. But Jesus clarifies that their purpose goes beyond simple communication.
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Revealing and Concealing
Jesus’ parables acted like a mirror to the listeners' hearts. To those with a genuine hunger for God's truth, the parables were keys unlocking profound spiritual insights. They weren’t just stories; they were 'mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 13:11) being unveiled.
The Cost of Resistance
For those who were unwilling to truly listen—whose hearts were closed off by prejudice or indifference—the parables served to obscure the message. This wasn't a punishment, but a consequence of their own resistance. As Jesus states, seeing and hearing may not lead to understanding or conversion for those already set against Him (Matthew 13:13). It's a sobering thought: the very message of life can become a message of judgment to those who reject it.
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.
mystērion · Greek Noun
A divine truth previously hidden but now revealed by God to His people. It refers to the sovereign plan of God, particularly regarding the gospel and the redemptive work of Christ.
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign reign and rule of God over all creation, now inaugurated through Jesus Christ. It represents the sphere of God's authority and the community of those who submit to His lordship.
The disciples' question reveals a common human tendency: to question a teacher's methods, even when those methods are divinely inspired. Jesus' response highlights that understanding spiritual truths isn't just about hearing words, but about a heart prepared to receive and act on them.
c. 28 AD
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus begins his itinerant ministry, teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee. His message of the Kingdom of Heaven attracts large crowds.
c. 28-29 AD— this verse
Jesus teaches crowds by the Sea of Galilee
Jesus preaches to large multitudes gathered along the shore. To accommodate the crowd, he enters a boat and speaks from the water.
c. 29 AD
Disciples ask Jesus about his teaching method
After Jesus finishes teaching the crowds with parables, his disciples, likely after the crowd disperses, privately ask him why he uses this method.
c. 30 AD
Jesus' ministry concludes
Jesus' public ministry culminates in his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.
This passage from Mark provides context, noting that the disciples asked Jesus about the parables when he was alone, suggesting their question stemmed from a desire for deeper understanding beyond what the crowds received.
Luke 8:9Luke's account highlights that the disciples specifically asked Jesus to explain the meaning of the parable, underscoring their earnestness to grasp the spiritual truths Jesus was conveying.
Isaiah 6:9-10Jesus directly quotes this Old Testament passage to explain his use of parables, revealing that it was a fulfillment of prophecy concerning people's hardened hearts and refusal to understand.
Matthew 13:11-12This is Jesus' direct answer to the disciples' question, explaining that understanding the 'mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' is a gift given to some, while others, through their own choices, have their spiritual perception limited.
John 12:39-40This passage from John references Isaiah 6:9-10 as well, explaining that the Jewish leaders did not believe because of their hardened hearts, directly paralleling Jesus' explanation for why he spoke in parables to the crowds.
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 reveals a common human tendency: to see difficult truths as obstacles rather than opportunities. They ask "Why speak to them in parables?" implying a desire for clear, easy answers for everyone, missing that the parables themselves are a way for God to reveal His mysteries to those who are ready.
The disciples witness Jesus speaking in parables to the crowds gathered by the sea and, once they are alone with him, they ask why he's using this method. They are puzzled because parables, while sometimes used by teachers, could make understanding the kingdom of heaven's mysteries difficult for the average person. Jesus will then explain that this method of teaching is intentional, both to reveal truths to those who are open and to obscure them from those who are resistant.
The disciples witness Jesus speaking in parables to the crowds gathered by the sea and, once they are alone with him, they ask why he's using this method. They are puzzled because parables, while sometimes used by teachers, could make understanding the kingdom of heaven's mysteries difficult for the average person. Jesus will then explain that this method of teaching is intentional, both to reveal truths to those who are open and to obscure them from those who are resistant.
"Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more…" — The disciples' question reveals a common human tendency: to see difficult truths as obstacles rather than opportunities. They ask "Why speak to them in parables?" implying a desire for clear, easy…
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Last reviewed October 2026
