PARABLES

Matthew 13:16
But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, (for) they hear.
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Before we sleep, my father would tell us stories. Most are based on Aesop’s fables. He would tell it with gusto together with animal sounds. We would enjoy every part of it. But he would emphasize more on the lessons learned in the end. And these lessons in life will be firmly embedded within us based on the stories and examples he shared with us.

A parable is a story that teaches us something about God, his kingdom, and ourselves. They can often be a bit confusing, and sometimes hard to understand. Jesus teaches in parables to separate those “who have ears and those who have not”. This is a figurative way of saying “those who want to know about God’s kingdom, those who want to learn from Jesus will be able to understand what these parables are saying because the knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven have been given to them.

But those who do not want to know about God’s kingdom or learn from Jesus just won’t get it… even what they know will be taken away from them, so that even though they have ears - they won’t be able to hear; and even though they have eyes - they won’t be able to see… because they have hardened their heart against Jesus. Or they simply doesn’t care because of pride and arrogance.

Parables are hard to understand. But when we put in the effort to understand them, what we learn about God, his kingdom, and ourselves is truly worth the effort. If you can read the parables of Jesus, learn from them, and be changed by them for the secrets of the kingdom of God have been given to you, for you to grow in Him.

Almighty Father, allow us to understand Your words through the parables of Your son, Jesus. May our eyes and ears be open to receive every Words that you say. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Amen +

Glory and praise for ever!