Understanding in Context

Scripture: That is why I speak to them in parables, because looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand. Matthew 13:13

Observation: As the explanation for why he teaches using parables, Jesus effectively says he does this so that the listeners won't understand. In other words, there must be context in order to understand the teaching of Jesus, and that context is faith in him as the Messiah. Those without that context won't understand parables that teach about ... forgiveness, love, hope, salvation, and eternal life.

Application: At one time I was confused about this idea, that Jesus intentionally used parable/metaphor in order to make his message difficult to understand. However, I feel I now understand this well, especially when considering how people today receive the good news about Jesus, faith, and salvation. For those who have faith, and even those who want to have faith, the parables make senses. However, for those who are of the mind to reject Jesus, or even question the existence of God and thus have no value in a Messiah as the son of God, the parables are literally meaningless stories.

What is even more curious are those people who desire some kind of "spiritual" influence in their lives. They often hear a parable, and then apply meaning to it that is so far off the mark as to laughable. They also make up their own parables of Jesus; they create interesting proverbs and metaphors that they claim Jesus said, when such things are not in the scriptures. This is because they have never read the bible, and/or they have some idea they believe relates to Jesus, and this pithy 'quote' conveys the same message.

The context of eternal salvation through faith in Jesus as Christ, and thus surrendering to the Lord God almighty as the authority of our lives, creates an understanding of scriptures that is magnificent and comprehensive. That lack of context results in confusion over meaning, disconnected and conflicting 'truths', and lostness.

Prayer: Lord, you are my Lord and my God, and Jesus is my savior in whom I have total belief. Please forgive my sins, for they are terrible and deep. Help me to repent in my heart and mind, and remain firm in my following of you every day and every minute. Amen.