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 should we say for such a Saviour?
By what did Peter, on the day of Pentecost, say that Christ had been approved by God?
To what are the wife and children of the man who fears the Lord likened?
6. Under the influence of her tender care and faithful instruction, what is said of the child life of Jesus?
When the church had received help from the state to this extent, what more did she demand?
7. What spirits stand ever ready to deceive and ruin those who are off guard or bent on going astray?
11. Should we allow ourselves to be influenced by signs or wonders performed by those who would try to lead us away from God and His law?
Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle