Excerpt: Untitled

The disciples came to Jesus one day to ask him a question after he began using parables while teaching the large crowds. The reason Jesus gives may even trouble some. He told them, “To you is has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” It was the disciples that were asking Jesus this question and it was the disciples that Jesus directs His response.
He further explained, “but to them it has not been granted.” Again, this may likely cause theological heartburn for some, but the ‘them’ He is talking about are those who are not really looking to follow Christ. The purpose of the parables seems to be to be directed to the disciple, not the larger crowd.
What I’m about to do should in no way be understood by the reader as me suggesting that the parables recorded in Scripture are incomplete and me offering a better or improved version of the many parables Jesus used to teach His followers. This is only my thinking through the parable and considering how it impacts my thinking about God. I do not offer this as a theological study; however, I do intend to stay theologically sound in my telling these stories.
Jesus further explained his reason for teaching in parables by telling the disciples that “whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” (Matt 13:12-13)