What reply did Christ make?
Answer
"He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more
abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to
them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."
Verses 11-13.
NOTE - Christ's object, therefore, in using parables was to teach the mysteries, or truths, of the
kingdom of heaven-truths not necessarily difficult to understand, but which had long been hidden or
obscured by sin, apostasy, and tradition-in such a way that the spiritually minded and those desirous of
learning the truth, might understand them, and the worldly minded and unwilling would not. When asked
the meaning of any parable, Christ readily explained it to His disciples. Matt. 13: 36-43; Mark 4: 33, 34.
See Luke 9: 9-15.
What are the Scriptures able to do for one who believes them?
5. What further statement of Christ seems to lay the responsibility for the origin of sin upon Satan and his angels?
Upon what basis is justification granted?
By what law is the knowledge of sin?
What was Paul's manner respecting the Sabbath?
What did the prophet see coming up at this time?
By what figure does the Bible represent death?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle