Saturday 11 October 2025
"But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it." (vs 16-17)
Background
Today's Bible passage follows on from yesterday’s verses (Matthew 13:1-9). Jesus had just been telling the crowds a parable (a story with a lesson attached to it), and the disciples came to him to ask why he talks to them in parables.
As preachers in the Church, sometimes it is good to tell a story that highlights the theme of the message, so that it applies to us today. In the same way, Jesus was preaching a message to the people with a picture-story to illustrate his message in a way that they could understand. He had spent time teaching the disciples, so they could understand his lessons, and now he explains to them that the people do not fully understand in the way that they do.
Jesus quotes some words from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10) saying that the people will listen and look, but will not understand. Their minds, heart, eyes and ears are shut to his word – “and I would heal them.” (v. 15) Jesus will continue talking to them in parables so that they will come to understand him.
What does it mean to have a shut mind or heart? Perhaps some people hear what Jesus is saying but feel that it doesn’t apply to them – they don’t want to know, or they don’t want to change their ways. Their eyes and ears are closed to the things Jesus is doing (such as healing and teaching) and the things he is saying, and they don’t want to believe them, because that will highlight all that is wrong in their life. Following Jesus has its demands, which can be hard to face up to.
Jesus then says to the disciples that they are blessed because they do see and hear him, and many prophets and good people longed to see and hear what the disciples have seen and heard, but haven’t been able to.
To Ponder:
- How do you relate to the notes above? Can you see yourself being described in any way, either at this time or in the past?
- The teaching of Jesus always has a lesson that ends in an action. After reading this passage, is there something that Jesus is calling you to do? Perhaps you may want to stop and listen, trying to hear properly – to ponder and reflect on what Jesus is saying to you.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, sometimes it’s hard to know what it is you are asking of me. Help me to listen to your message with an open mind and an open heart, to receive your teaching and hear your word for me. Today I choose to stay by your side, to be alongside you throughout my day. Show me your truth. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Ann Fox
The Revd Fox is Superintendent Minister of Tadcaster Circuit. She is called to serve alongside others and enjoys caring for older people and receiving inspiration from children and young people. She has recently enjoyed being with a group of young people from her circuit at 3Generate, the Methodist event for young people aged 4–18 years.