Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022

Have you ever wondered why Jesus spoke in parables? Have you ever struggled to understand some? Jesus gives his reason to the disciples in Matthew 13, saying, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” First notice that the knowledge of the secrets of Heaven are given in Jesus’ parables, so we should all thirst for understanding of these! Second, what Jesus is referring to is that some will hear but not understand and some will understand. However, even the disciples did not understand at first, they needed further explanation, so be encouraged that it is not just you who does not grasp them at first — we all will face these struggles. What is revealed later is that only by the power of the Holy Spirit, indwelling us when we surrender in faith to Jesus, can anyone understand. To those without the teaching of the Spirit, these truths are foolishness. But the Holy Spirit does not immediately download all truth and meaning to us; what he does is enable us to understand when we seek Jesus. Thus, no one can think themselves to faith nor reason logically the truths of Heaven. Faith, and understanding, come by the power of the Spirit. So what shall we do with this understanding of the economics of faith? We seek more of Jesus, seek answers in prayer and in God’s Word, and trust that it will be revealed to us in time by the power of the Spirit. This is why salvation is but the first step of faith; sanctification is the walk we pursue after, seeking Jesus and leaning upon the power of the Spirit. This is why John recorded Jesus as calling the Spirit “The Helper” in John 15, as he helps us to know the truth. Today, if you have struggled to grasp some parables, seek the understanding in faith and trust in the help of the Spirit. Trust that he who has begun a good work in you will carry it on until the day of Christ Jesus.

“The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” — Matthew 13:10-12 NIV

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.” — John 15: 26-27 ESV

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:6 NIV