NTDS (16): Blessed

Matt 13:16
"But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.
NASU

One day, Jesus was sitting by the sea and large crowds gathered. He then got in a boat and sat down to teach them. He spoke to them in a different way than He had previously. He taught them in parables. A parable is defined as “a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson.” (Dictionary.com)

The disciples asked Him why He was now using this method to teach the crowds. His answer is profound and could even be considered somewhat disconcerting to some. He gives three reasons why He is using parables in verses 11-15

Verse 11: it is for disciples (followers), not the unbelievers, to know the “mysteries’ of the kingdom of heaven. Mysteries means things previously not revealed that are now being revealed

Verse 12: Those who “have,” meaning those who have chosen to believe in Christ and follow Him, will be given more. Specifically this means more of God’s revealed truth. Those who “have not” refers to those who reject Jesus and He says that what they do have will be taken away. He is speaking to the religious leaders who think they have the truth, but are far from God’s heart. What they have, the temple, sacrifices and ruling authority will be taken away from them.

Verses 14-15: Speaking in parables fulfills a prophesy in Isa 6:9-10 He said, "Go, and tell this people:
'Keep on listening, but do not perceive;
Keep on looking, but do not understand.' "Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull,
And their eyes dim,
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
Hear with their ears,
Understand with their hearts,
And return and be healed.
NASU

This describes the people’s response to Isaiah’s message and predicts a similar response to the message of the coming Messiah. People would hear the words but not respond correctly because of the hardness of their hearts.

These verses actually pronounce judgment on those who have rejected Jesus. In the previous chapters we have seen the religious leaders refuse to accept Him as the foretold Messiah. They will not accept the revelation of Scripture that Jesus is bringing, because of the hardness of their hearts and the pride of their positions. So He will teach in manner that will be revealed only to those who want to hear. Jesus will not teach those who do not want to hear!

The good news for the disciples is, that because they desire to follow Jesus, they are blessed. They are open to what He wants to show them, so He will give them more and more.

And so it is for us. Do you desire to “learn of Him,” as he said to do in Mt 11:28? If you do, you are blessed and He will continue to reveal Himself to you through His word! The more you respond to His teaching, being obedient to Him, the more He will reveal Himself to you. What a wonderful encouragement that is.

Let us keep pour ears always open to His voice and our hearts always soft to His touch. He loves pour out blessing on those who have accepted Him and believe that He is who He says He is, the Son of God, Messiah, in all ways God!

Have you accepted Jesus yet? Do you take Him at His word? If you have not, then I pray you will make that decision today. Many will say that they have an intellectual issue with believing in God. This is what Jesus has to say concerning that. Matt 11:25
 At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.
NASU

 There is enormous historical evidence to prove the claims of Christ, but He demands a measure of faith from us. Once you make that decision to follow Him, He will reveal Himself to you more and more. It is a decision you will never regret!

God bless you

Coach