Refusing to See or Hear

As Jesus delivered the parable of the sower and the seed, He was familiar with Old Testament scriptures concerning those who could not hear or see. He knew those in His audience whose hearts were indifferent, and would not be able to accept His teaching.  Jesus was proclaiming an operative Mystery encrypted in biblical history.  Matthew13:35  “This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world."

While knowing that some had not been given ears to hear, still Jesus taught for the sake of those to whom the Father had given ears to hear.  He set out the mystery and principle of sowing and reaping for those who had been given a teachable spirit.

We struggle to understand why God would harden the hearts of people. It is not asserted in Scripture that He hardens hearts to cause people to go against His will and become obstinate.  Having been given free will we are allowed by personal choice to reject relationship with God if we choose.

As we learn from this parable, we know that our sharing of the Gospel may sometimes fall on deaf ears.  Through the working of the Holy Spirit we are enabled and encouraged to share the Gospel for the sake of those who have been given ears to hear.

Following Jesus’ example we can boldly proclaim His teachings concerning controversial moral issues of our time.  We are not afraid to speak the Word of God.  

It is a magnificent calling to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for to us it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, and to make known to all who will listen and accept.

Matthew 13:10-17