Matthew 13:10-16

Contemporary English Version

Why Jesus Used Stories

(Mark 4.10-12; Luke 8.9,10)

¹⁰Jesus' disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you use stories to speak to the people?”

¹¹Jesus answered:

I have explained the secrets about the kingdom of heaven to you, but not to others. ¹²^(A) Everyone who has something will be given more. But people who don't have anything will lose even what little they have. ¹³I use stories when I speak to them because when they look, they cannot see, and when they listen, they cannot hear or understand. ¹⁴^(B) So God's promise came true, just as the prophet Isaiah had said,

“These people will listen
and listen,
    but never understand.
They will look and look,
    but never see.
¹⁵All of them have
    stubborn minds!
They refuse to listen;
    they cover their eyes.
They cannot see or hear
    or understand.
If they could,
they would turn to me,
    and I would heal them.”