“His disciples asked him what this parable meant.10 He said, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.” Luke 8.9-10
Rarely does Jesus offer a parable without an obvious explanation. Even rarer is the occasion when He fully reveals its meaning. These parables are meant to leave room for interpretation, but here Jesus presents two clear extremes.
First, He shares the parable itself with no explanation at all, leaving the crowds to wonder what on earth He is talking about. Second, He gives the full explanation—but only to His disciples. In doing so, He also tells them why: “because the knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you… but to others I speak in parables” (Luke 8:10). And why is this? “‘Though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’” It’s almost as if Jesus invites people to search for the truth—a divine mystery about the kingdom that is revealed to those who humbly seek Him.
I remember when I first met the Lord—when my eyes were opened, when my soul was set free, when I discovered by faith through grace that He was truly real and wanted to live in me. I couldn’t believe it! I had grown up in the church, knowing about God and loving God, but He felt so distant. I was not “saved by faith.” It wasn’t until I was introduced to Jesus as a person and heard for the first time that He wanted a relationship with me that He became real. It’s not rocket science, yet there truly is a knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Not everyone knows it. Not everyone believes it. Not everyone discovers the amazing truth and reality that God is real.
I love the Lord and am passionate about Him—not because I am devout, not because I am good, but because I have met with Him and He revealed Himself to me. As John 3 puts it, “I was born again.” My heart was “strangely warmed,” as John Wesley described it, and the scales fell from my eyes. I could see, just like the blind man Jesus healed.
Today can be the day for all who have not yet met the Lord personally, who have not received the Holy Spirit, to call out to God for salvation. I suggest this simple prayer—and then wait expectantly to see what the Lord does:
“O Lord God, I am a sinner. I believe that You died for me upon the cross. I give You my life. I invite You into my heart. Come and be my God and reveal Yourself to me. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen.