Hearing the Truth
For some it is revealed and for others it remains hidden.
“Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." - Matt. 13:18-23
Jesus revealed the meaning of the parable to his friends, but he didn't do that for the crowd.
Being raised the child of teachers, I remember my parents talking about the students in their classes. There is nothing more frustrating for a teacher than a student who chooses not to learn.
We make the assumption that everyone who goes to school or university wants to learn. But they may not be there of their own free will. They might think there are better ways to spend their time.
Now I am not saying the crowd didn't want to understand Jesus. Maybe they did, but maybe, as Jesus says, they have ears and eyes but have trouble hearing and seeing.
They may have been indoctrinated to ignore all but what they were told is the truth.
Jesus knew he was fighting against the false teachings of the leaders of the faith who had corrupted the truth about God.
And those leaders would turn around and kill him for trying to bring people back to the truth.
We have a similar problem today on our campuses of higher learning and it is spreading to all levels.
Students are being taught to listen only to one voice, and not to hear others.
The first time that happened, God sent himself in human form to show us how we should live, loving one another.
What will He do now?
More to come...