Matthew 13:13 -- On Parables

"Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."

Matthew 13:13

This verse seems to be saying that we just ignore what God says plainly (which is often true), but that parables are different.  ... And they are different from plain, clear commandments.  Whether that makes them easier or harder to understand might depend on the person... and whether easier or harder is what God intends might also depend on the person.

For instance, for me math has always been anathema... but if you make it a "story problem" and give it some context, then I'm hooked trying to figure it out. :)  Even though it is the same lesson, the same numbers, the context makes it different.  However, not everyone is a fan of fiction.  Similar or identical talks and stories and scriptures affect us in various ways, and a parable could obscure something from one person while revealing it to another, depending on how they approach it, or whether any part of them connects with the story in the context of their current life experience.  Some people prefer clear statements rather than symbolism, and luckily we have scripture written by people who embrace both styles and for people who embrace both styles... and he wants us to eventually learn from both styles. :)

So, is God writing parables so that we'll stay interested, dig deeper, and learn more?  Or is he giving us parables to obscure the truth, and hide golden nuggets of wisdom from the unworthy?  I think the answer is definitely both... and that maybe they are things that we have to grow into.  Maybe we don't understand one at first, but then, as we learn more and encounter it more, one day it does connect with us, and that particular hidden meaning blooms in our minds.  Another one we might understand right off... but even then, perhaps there is another layer of meaning we haven't gotten yet.

Today, let's remember that God teaches us in many ways, and helps us to understand as we are able to... so whether parables, or any other part of the gospel, is clear or obscured to us right now, that doesn't mean that it always will be.  God helps us to understand over time, and according to our desires to learn.  Let's reread some parables, and see if anything is clearer today than they were before. :)