Luke 8:9-10 9And when his disciples asked him, “What does this parable mean?” 10he said, “To you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to others, they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’”
Jesus’ disciples could understand and picture the parable in their minds but they could not understand its meaning. It is one thing to hear and imagine, but it is another to apply meaning into one’s life. Application comes in understanding. A sermon can be polished exegesis and beautiful oratory, but unless it speaks to the hearts of one’s audience, it will make no real difference. Opening the “eyes and ears” of one’s heart requires both understanding and faith.
Jesus answered his disciples’ confusion in two ways. In the first in verse 10, he explains the important element required for understanding his teachings. The disciples had been given the mysteries of the kingdom of God. A mystery (mystēria) is a word that describes something hidden or secret that requires revelation to be made known. Only those with faith in Jesus can come to know and apply the core values of God’s kingdom. Although the word “faith” is not used in these verses, the general context indicates that there is a human response to receiving God’s revelation. Understanding the kingdom is a gift of God. This understanding is not static or one time but grows over time, just as seeds grow in the right conditions. The right conditions for growing these special seeds includes faith and openness to what Jesus says.
Jesus then quotes Isaiah 6:9 to show the condition of those who do not have faith. In the context of Isaiah 6, God speaks to Isaiah about the hardness of people’s hearts and how they would not listen to the prophetic word Isaiah would speak. Their lack of faith would close up their understanding. They might hear the words spoken but would not listen and act on them. Another important condition for growing the seeds of the kingdom is obedience to what is said.
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