Why Jesus speaks in parables

¹⁰ Jesus’ disciples came and said to him, “Why do you use parables when you speak to the crowds?”

¹¹ Jesus replied, “Because they haven’t received the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but you have. ¹² For those who have will receive more and they will have more than enough. But as for those who don’t have, even the little they have will be taken away from them.

Purpose of parables to the crowds

³⁴ Jesus said all these things to the crowds in parables, and he spoke to them only in parables. ³⁵ This was to fulfill what the prophet spoke:

Jesus in his hometown

⁵³ When Jesus finished these parables, he departed. ⁵⁴ When he came to his hometown, he taught the people in their synagogue. They were surprised and said, “Where did he get this wisdom? Where did he get the power to work miracles? ⁵⁵ Isn’t he the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother named Mary? Aren’t James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas his brothers? ⁵⁶ And his sisters, aren’t they here with us? Where did this man get all this?” ⁵⁷ They were repulsed by him and fell into sin.

But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns and in their own households.” ⁵⁸ He was unable to do many miracles there because of their disbelief.