NOTES for Mat 13:10-17
What is a parable? Why does Jesus use parables when speaking to the people? Why are the disciples given knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom, with Jesus explaining the meaning of His parables to them, while He seemingly leaves the others in ignorance? To answer all these questions, it is important to understand what parables were used for in antiquity—and in the East during the Middle Ages and later, right up to the present day.
It might seem simplest to explain everything directly; then no one would have any misunderstandings. In fact, however, such a head-on approach is only partly useful, and not merely because it discourages people from thinking by offering them ready-made answers. Another problem is that with this kind of teaching the student often does not even develop any questions. He has no idea what to ask, because the teacher decides for him what he needs to know. A parable works differently.
Above all, it enables a person to see the unfamiliar in the familiar, the unexpected where everything has long seemed known and understood. It teaches a person to ask questions—and not idle ones. Some questions are asked for their own sake, simply to pass the time in a more or less learned and more or less friendly conversation. A parable teaches us to ask questions that have become urgent because what was familiar has, if not collapsed, at least begun to sway. Urgent questions are questions asked from within this kind of swaying reality.
A person is free, of course, and can brush the parable aside. His reality will then stand firm again—or at least so it will seem to him. In that case the parable will remain for him merely a tale, a fable, or an elegant paradox unrelated to his own life or to life in general. Jesus says of such people that seeing they do not see and hearing they do not hear.
Those inclined to listen must first become aware of the questions that arise from the parable and formulate them for themselves—to understand what they find unclear and unfamiliar within what is clear and familiar. A person can and must do this work himself; no hints are needed. Until he has done so, he remains among those whom the Savior calls “outsiders.” Once the questions have been formulated, they are asked—as Jesus' disciples ask them.
Only then is it possible to speak directly; then a person will hear and understand, each according to his measure. This is exactly how Jesus acts. He is no teacher in the worst sense of the word, one who forces his knowledge upon everyone who has not managed or been able to escape. He speaks only to those who are ready and want to hear, while leaving the door open for the others in case they too should want to enter.