Why did Jesus Speak in Parables?

Jesus spoke (and still speaks to us) in parables "This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand." Matthew 13:13 This answer from Jesus was cited from Isaiah 6:9-10. The parables teach a spiritual truth through the use of a story. Jesus tells the disciples that "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." Matthew 13:11

What are the implications for us today in the examination of parables? I would argue that we see in Jesus' response that he is sovereign. Those who hear do so by the will of Christ. Those who do not hear do not hear by the will of Christ. When people hear the gospel, some hear and are saved, others do not hear and perish. Do some hear because they have better hearing? Do they hear because they are smarter? Do they hear because they have more time or money? No they hear because "it has been given to them to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven".

Salvation is totally of God, through Christ, by the Spirit. Be thankful today that God has opened your eyes and ears to see and hear. Pray for those who have been blinded and deafened to the gospel. Trust in God for the results of the message. He is sovereign.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me." John 10:27