1. Why do you speak in parables? (10-15)

Jesus' disciples knew that the parables were hard for the crowd to understand. Jesus agreed. Jesus told secrets of the kingdom of heaven in parables so that only those who had made a commitment to follow him could understand. When a disciple who loves Jesus receives God's word in his heart he can understand it and grow in faith. If one has faith, he is given more faith. But if one rejects God's word because it seems unreasonable, or because he prefers an easy-going life, he can never understand. His heart then becomes harder and harder. Even the small amount of spiritual desire he had will be taken away.

2. Blessed are your eyes (16-17)

Jesus' disciples were privileged because they knew the long-awaited Christ. The patriarchs and prophets believed the promises and looked forward to his coming. We also are privileged because we can see that God kept his promises. By faith we can know Jesus personally and follow him.

Application: Lord, I want to follow Jesus. Please enlighten my eyes and heart to understand your word and help me to obey it.
One Word: Blessed are eyes that see