Are you listening?

 Read Matthew 13.

This chapter reveals a decided shift in the ministry of Jesus.  I am indebted to Louis A. Barbieri, Jr. for his unusual clarity concerning Matthew's Gospel. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament Edition, Victor Books)

1. Why did Jesus change His teaching style? (v.3)

Previously, the Lord had been teaching the crowds in a straightforward manner.  But here He changed to using parables.  These are comparative stories to teach truth and they require something extra to be able to comprehend the exact meaning.  They are earthly stories used to convey heavenly truths.  Not everyone in the crowd readily understood.  The disciples picked up on it immediately and asked for an explanation (v.10). 

This shift took place when the religious leaders accused Jesus of being satanically empowered (12:24).  With that rejection of the Messiah came the change in the way Jesus ministered publicly.  His followers wanted to know more and Jesus taught them separately. 

2. What are the mysteries, or secrets, of the kingdom of heaven? (v.11)
Theses are "truths not revealed in the Old Testament but which now were made known to those instructed."

3. Why doesn't everyone respond favorably to the good news of Jesus? (vv.18-23)
The parable of the sower is the first of seven in this chapter telling what the kingdom of heaven is like.  It was told by Jesus in verses 3-9 and then explained in verses 18-23.  There are four distinct responses given.  Each received the same seed (or message) but with very different results. 

-Some do not understand the message and are kept from any positive spiritual impact at all by the devil himself (v.19).
-Some like what they heard but never go on to a genuine commitment to Christ due to only a shallow understanding (vv.20-21).
-Some believe the message but never develop as a growing follower of Jesus because of being enslaved by the cares of this temporal world (v.22).
-Some receive the message and cultivate their faith into a growing and productive spiritual life (v.23).

It was always the same message, so what made the difference?    Jesus quoted Isaiah.  "For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed" (v.15).  One must have an open heart to experience the life-change Jesus offers.  A classic illustration is Samuel.  As a little boy, God spoke to him, but he did not realize who was speaking.  Finally, he said the words that all true followers say, "Speak, LORD, your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9).

Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in..." (Revelation 3:20)  Are you listening?