Definition: And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 13:10. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious passage! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is teaching about why he uses stories and parables to explain complex things. He’s telling the disciples, who are listening intently, that he's not just telling them stories for their own amusement – he’s using them to really help them understand something important. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “And the disciples came…” : This refers to Jesus and his followers who were with him – the twelve apostles. “…and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?” : This is the question they ask. “Why are you talking about this in stories?” It’s a bit of a challenge! So, what's Jesus really saying? He’s explaining that he's using stories to make the meaning of important truths easier to grasp. Think of it like this: Imagine teaching someone about building a house. You wouldn't just give them a blueprint and expect them to understand everything instantly. You’d show them examples, use analogies, and help them connect the ideas to real-life situations. Jesus is doing something similar with his parables! Here are some possible interpretations of what this means: He wants to simplify complex concepts: Parables often deal with big ideas like God's love, forgiveness, or salvation. Jesus isn’t trying to explain everything in a single sentence; he's using stories to make the core message accessible. Stories are a way of revealing truth: Jesus believes that understanding truths through stories is much more effective than just reading about them. It’s a demonstration of his power: By using these stories, Jesus demonstrates that he can reveal profound truths and connect with people on a deeper level. In short, the verse is asking why Jesus uses stories – it's a way to make the message of faith more understandable and memorable. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Matthew 13? Discuss what some theologians think about this verse?