Matthew 13:10-11, 15 (NIV), “The disciples came to him and asked, ‘Why do you speak to the people in parables?’ He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them…For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”
Jesus was not trying to convert the world. He was calling a bride class, people who would sacrifice their lives and their wills to follow him. Mark 4:33,34 (NIV), “He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.” This faithful class will receive the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and rule with Jesus at his second advent (Revelation 20:4).
Doesn’t God want to convert the world? Yes. But mankind’s education will occur during Christ’s reign. Then the scriptures will be opened and clearly understood by all. Jeremiah 31:33, 34, “‘This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel (all mankind will become children of Abraham – children of faith) after that time,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the LORD. ‘For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’” Isaiah 11:9, “For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.”
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast Episode #1191: “Are Christians Supposed to Convert the World?”
Biblically clarifying WHY we preach the gospel to others
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
For children, parents and Bible class teachers: (animated video:) “Why did Jesus speak in parables?”
