The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’ Matthew 13:13–15
At any time Israel could have “turned” for healing (i.e., forgiveness and spiritual restoration), by seeing, hearing, and believing God’s message. But the mission of Isaiah and Jesus was to speak the truth, further galvanizing the resistant hearts of the unbelieving people and driving them further from repentance and healing, as an act of God’s judgment.
God had given Israel many chances, but now his patience had run out. Judgment was beginning. 1
Personal Encouragement
What do you do to keep your heart tender towards doing the will of God?
He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36
A stubborn heart will never hear, see, or understand the things of God.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for humbling me so I can depend upon You for everything.
1. Weber, S. K. (2000). Matthew (Vol. 1). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
