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THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”” — Matthew 13:10
Picture this: the disciples are curious, maybe even a little confused. They see Jesus sharing these fascinating stories, but they want to know why he chooses to speak in riddles. It’s like they’re sitting in a classroom, and they just raised their hands, eager to understand the lesson better. This moment shows their desire to dig deeper, to grasp the meaning behind the words. It’s a powerful reminder that asking questions is a crucial step in learning and growing.
The Gospel of Matthew was written by Matthew himself, one of Jesus' disciples. He was a tax collector who had a pretty dramatic life change after meeting Jesus. Matthew wanted to share the story of Jesus in a way that connected with both Jewish readers and those new to the faith. By including this detail about the disciples' question, he highlights the importance of seeking understanding—a theme that resonates deeply throughout his account.
When Matthew wrote this, the world was buzzing with different ideas and beliefs. The Roman Empire was in control, and people were hungry for meaning amidst the chaos. This was a time when stories were essential for teaching and sharing wisdom. Parables were a common way to communicate complex ideas simply. By using this method, Jesus was meeting people where they were, making deep truths accessible even in the midst of a bustling and often confusing society.
This verse is a reminder for you to embrace your curiosity. It’s perfectly okay to ask questions and seek deeper understanding. In your life today, there might be moments when things feel unclear or when you're faced with challenges and wonder about the meaning behind them. This verse encourages you to lean into those questions rather than shy away from them. It’s a call to engage with your faith and the world around you, ensuring that you’re not just a passive listener but an active seeker of truth.
This week, take a moment to ask a question that’s been on your mind—whether it’s about something you read in the Bible, something you’re experiencing in life, or even a conversation with a friend. Write it down! Then, take time to seek answers. You can do this by reading, discussing with someone, or even just reflecting quietly. Embracing your curiosity will help you grow and understand things on a deeper level.
In this chapter, Jesus is surrounded by a crowd, and he starts telling parables—short, intriguing stories that hold deeper meanings. The disciples notice that not everyone understands these stories, and they’re puzzled. This question comes right after Jesus has just shared a parable about a farmer scattering seeds, illustrating how different people receive his message. By asking why Jesus speaks in parables, the disciples are seeking clarity at a pivotal moment where understanding is essential for both them and the listeners. Their question sets the stage for Jesus to explain that he uses these stories to reveal truths to those who are open to learning and to keep others pondering.
What questions do you have about your faith or life that you’ve been hesitant to ask, and how might exploring those questions help you grow?
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Sign Up or Login FreeMatthew 13:10 (BSB)
Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?”