Jesus said,

have you understood? Matthew 13:51

Jesus often taught in parables. All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables, verse 34. Which was predicted in Psalm 78:1-4, verse 2 being quoted in verse 35. There are seven parables in Matthew 13 alone. Of which, Jesus explains only two: the sower and the tares. These explanations become our guide to interpreting all the parables. Do you understand? Well, this was Jesus’ question recorded in verse 51. They answered, “Yes, Lord.” Do you?

Jesus’ disciples asked, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” Verse 10. Seems like a fair question. Then Jesus says…which is quoted by Matthew in verses 11 thru 17. In His answer, Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9. And Ezekiel 12:2 and refers to Psalm 119:70 and Zechariah 7:11. Again, Jesus calls upon His disciples to know what they should have known. To understand what they should have understood. Do you understand? 

Many object to Jesus’ use of parables. They especially object to why He spoke in parables, ‘because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. verse 13. They say Jesus should have helped them see, hear, and understand. Instead, He hid what they needed to know in riddles (dark sayings, parables.) That is not fair, they say. 

Well, which is worse. To hear once and understand and follow Jesus by faith? Or, to hear once more, understand and follow Jesus by faith? Or to hear and hear and hear willfully refusing to understand and not follow Jesus by faith? God expects us to use the gifts He has given us. 

What men and women have accomplished with their God-given talents is amazing. And predictable, Genesis 11:6: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Ponder this. Did God give mankind all these abilities to build towers? Or, did God grant us all these amazing skills to believe in Jesus. And by believing receive everlasting life. And having everlasting life, use these talents for good? Do you understand?