Matthew 13:11-12
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)
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Jesus isn't saying God arbitrarily withholds understanding; rather, "secrets of the kingdom" are divine revelations, not something attainable by human effort alone. The disciples are given this insight because they are receptive to God's grace, while others are not, highlighting that true understanding comes from a willing heart.
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, and his disciples privately ask him why he uses parables. Jesus explains that parables are given to reveal the hidden truths, or "mysteries," of the kingdom of heaven to those who are open to receive them, while others, hardened in their hearts, will not understand. This response sets up a stark contrast between the disciples' privileged insight and the general populace's inability to grasp spiritual realities, a theme that continues throughout the chapter.
Why did Jesus use parables? It wasn't just for colorful storytelling. He used them because the truths of God's kingdom were like secrets, hidden from most.
The word 'mystery' in the Bible doesn't mean something totally unknowable or confusing. Instead, it refers to something that was concealed and could only be understood through special revelation from God.
These weren't complex philosophical ideas that humans couldn't grasp. They were truths about God's plan – like the inclusion of Gentiles in the new kingdom, the end of the old religious system, and the Messiah's death – that were simply not yet made known to the general public.
Jesus used parables as a way to communicate these 'mysteries' to His disciples, who had been given the unique privilege of understanding them. For others, the parables served as a veil, keeping the deeper truths hidden.
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Jesus tells His disciples, 'To you it has been given...' Why 'given'? Was it because they were smarter or more spiritual than everyone else?
The disciples' ability to understand the kingdom's secrets was not due to their own merit or superior intellect. Jesus explicitly states it was 'given' to them.
This points to a divine appointment. God, in His sovereign wisdom, chose to open the eyes and ears of these specific individuals to grasp the profound truths of His unfolding kingdom. It highlights that access to God's spiritual truths is a gift, not something we can achieve on our own.
While they were being trained and prepared to carry the Gospel forward, their initial understanding was a direct impartation from Christ, setting them apart for a unique role.
Understand the original words
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.
Jesus' use of parables, and the explanation of why some understand and others don't, is deeply rooted in his public ministry. This wasn't a sudden theological statement but a response to his disciples' questions amidst his teaching in Galilee.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples throughout Galilee. His teachings often used parables to explain the nature of God's kingdom.
c. 28-30 AD
Jesus Teaches in Galilee
Jesus' popularity grows, drawing large crowds. He often taught by the Sea of Galilee, sometimes addressing multitudes from a boat to ensure everyone could hear.
c. 28-30 AD
Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower
After teaching the parable of the sower, Jesus' disciples ask him why he uses parables. He explains his unique teaching method, distinguishing between those who understand and those who do not.
Jesus rejoices that the Father has hidden these truths from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children, mirroring the same divine sovereignty in revelation that he addresses in Matthew 13:11.
Mark 4:11-12This parallel passage uses the same language, explaining that Jesus teaches in parables so that those on the outside may see but not understand, reinforcing the idea of a divinely granted understanding versus a hidden truth.
Luke 8:10Similar to Mark, Luke's account highlights that Jesus told the parables so that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand,' underscoring the intentionality of revealing spiritual truths to some while concealing them from others.
1 Corinthians 2:10-14Paul echoes this theme by explaining that the Spirit reveals God's hidden wisdom to believers, while the natural person cannot grasp these spiritual truths, emphasizing that understanding comes from divine revelation, not human intellect.
Romans 11:25Paul speaks of a 'mystery' concerning Israel's partial hardening, which will last until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in, reflecting the concept of divine secrets being revealed in stages and to specific people at specific times.
vincentMatthew 13:11: "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."
Mysteries (μυστήρια)From μύω, to close or shut. In classical Greek, applied to certain religious celebrations to which persons were admitted by formal initiation, and the precise character of which is unknown. Some suppose them to have been revelations of religious secrets; others of secret politico-religious doctrines; others, again, sceni…
barnesMatthew 13:11: "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."
The mysteries of the kingdom - The word "mystery," in the Bible, properly means a thing that is "concealed," or that "has been concealed." It does not mean that the thing was "incomprehensible," or even difficult to be understood. The thing might be "plain" enough if revealed, but it means simply that it "had" not been before made known. Thus…
Jesus isn't saying God arbitrarily withholds understanding; rather, "secrets of the kingdom" are divine revelations, not something attainable by human effort alone. The disciples are given this insight because they are receptive to God's grace, while others are not, highlighting that true understanding comes from a willing heart.
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, and his disciples privately ask him why he uses parables. Jesus explains that parables are given to reveal the hidden truths, or "mysteries," of the kingdom of heaven to those who are open to receive them, while others, hardened in their hearts, will not understand. This response sets up a stark contrast between the disciples' privileged insight and the general populace's inability to grasp spiritual realities, a theme that continues throughout the chapter.
Jesus has just told the parable of the sower to a large crowd, and his disciples privately ask him why he uses parables. Jesus explains that parables are given to reveal the hidden truths, or "mysteries," of the kingdom of heaven to those who are open to receive them, while others, hardened in their hearts, will not understand. This response sets up a stark contrast between the disciples' privileged insight and the general populace's inability to grasp spiritual realities, a theme that continues throughout the chapter.
"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…" — Jesus isn't saying God arbitrarily withholds understanding; rather, "secrets of the kingdom" are divine revelations, not something attainable by human effort alone. The disciples are given this ins…
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