Matthew Thirteen

Jesus is well-known for His telling of stories, or parables. He does this to "create readiness" because without readiness, receptivity disappears. In this chapter He says, "whenever someone has a ready heart for this [the gift of insight], the insights and understandings flow freely."

As we read God's Word and get to know Him by having a relationship with Him, we gain more insights into what the Bible says. It's like any topic, really. The more we learn the "language" or "jargon" or theory of a subject, the more it makes sense. When it comes to the Bible, the Holy Spirit gives us that insight.

I sometimes think of people who know the Bible inside and out, can quote chapter and verse, and use it as a historical book, yet have no relationship with the Author. They lack readiness.

The one other thing I will mention from this chapter is what Jesus says to His disciples:

A lot of people, prophets and humble believers among them, would have given anything to see what you are seeing, to hear what you are hearing, but never had the chance.

Jesus is referring to men and women in the OT who only heard about the Messiah who was to come and never had the opportunity to see that prophecy fulfilled. He is also referring to the believers who experienced the 400 years of silence between the OT and NT. It seems the disciples didn't grasp how blessed they were to be able to literally walk and talk with Jesus - to see Him come to earth and experience what was prophesied for thousands of years.

Are we any different? We are now on the other side of the resurrection, awaiting the return of Jesus. Do we really grasp the Truth that illuminates on the pages of Scripture? Do we let the words of God change our lives?

Do we understand that there are people around the world who would give anything to speak the Name of Jesus freely and loudly? To study at seminary? To go to church without fear?

Do we really believe that we have the answer and His Name is Jesus?

Have we allowed our religious freedoms take away our zeal for the Gospel?