Matthew 13:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What does Christ say in response? He tells them that it is granted to you to comprehend the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not granted. He makes this statement not to suggest a necessity or a random choice among some, but rather to highlight that those who listen are the root of all afflictions, while simultaneously aiming to reveal that the insight into the mysteries of the kingdom is a grace given from on high. Although this understanding is indeed a gift, it does not undermine free will, as is clear from the subsequent words.

He proclaims, ‘To you it is given to know the mysteries,’ which means that because you possess the desire and effort, it is entrusted to you; however, to those who lack such commitment, it is not revealed to them.

One might wonder about the manner in which His followers approached Him while He was on the boat. However, it can be inferred from the text that they had already descended from the vessel and were standing nearby, seeking clarity on the parable.

He responded by saying to them that the understanding of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you. 'To you' refers to those who truly observe and hear, and thus have faith; "mysteries" signifies the concealed truths of the kingdom of heaven, or the Sovereign of heaven; "it is given" comes from God. This understanding is not bestowed upon those who observe and hear with insincerity, leading them away from belief. He refers to those who are unchangeable. What is the benefit of knowledge without faith? It echoes His earlier words: 'I thank You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have concealed these things from the wise and discerning, and have revealed them to infants' (Matthew 11:25).

To understand the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, it becomes evident that many may interpret His words as a way to excuse their own negligence, suggesting, "It is not my responsibility that I lack knowledge of what God has not revealed." Such individuals express this without remorse, for their understanding of God is shallow; they merely desire forgiveness for their transgressions. The prophet remarks on people like this: "Do not let my heart be inclined to the words of the wicked to excuse the works of sin along with men who do iniquity" (Psalm 141:4).

This reflects the desire of Jesus Christ: He told them in reply, "For you, My Apostles, who are attuned to My teachings concerning the Kingdom of God, it is granted by the Father, through the illumination of your understanding, to grasp, albeit imperfectly for now, the secrets of this Kingdom of Heaven—mysteries that are partly beyond human comprehension and partly concealed from those who are not initiated. To all those who carelessly listen to My words—particularly the scribes and Pharisees—these secrets remain beyond their reach; for them, such mysteries are intentionally veiled in parables. Understanding divine truths is a blessing and grace bestowed from above, yet it also requires human participation.

After Jesus completed His parables, the disciples approached Him with the question, ‘Why do You speak to them in parables?’ Jesus replied, ‘I communicate in this manner because they possess the ability to see, yet do not see, and the capability to hear, yet do not hear or understand. Though they are not physically blind or deaf, their understanding is corrupted by the false teachings of their leaders, such as the scribes and Pharisees. They have nearly lost the ability to comprehend the signs they witness and the teachings they receive.

Despite its remarkable simplicity and clarity, even the disciples struggled to grasp its significance. Upon the Saviour's return to the residence of the apostle Peter in Capernaum, they eagerly sought clarification. This request indicated that the parable had left a profound impact on them and stirred a thought that craved understanding. The Saviour did not hesitate to provide the apostles, who were to be the future leaders of His mission, with a comprehensive interpretation of the parable. When questioned about His use of parables in teaching the crowds, the Saviour explained that this approach was the only effective means by which He could convey His message, as many were unable to see or hear, failing to comprehend.

For this reason, I convey to the people through parables, “that it is given unto you to know the mysteries,” among other things. This knowledge is bestowed by God, enlightening their minds to comprehend these truths. Though their understanding remains imperfect until the arrival of the Holy Spirit, they are invited to grasp the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven—truths related to the Messiah’s reign that remain hidden from others. In Scripture, mysteries sometimes refer to truths that are utterly beyond human comprehension, while at other times they can be understood, although not by everyone (Romans 11:25, Ephesians 3:3-9). Such mysteries include the spread of the Gospel worldwide and the suffering of the Messiah.