The explanation Jesus gives to the parable of the soils (Mt 13.11-17) contains another significant lesson that is often confused and misunderstood by many.  One of the challenges of a biblical teacher is to help people understand passages like this, which have often been misinterpreted and misapplied.

In his explanation, Jesus referred to a prophecy from Isaiah which stated that there would be a people who would be “… ever hearing but never understanding; ever seeing but never perceiving…”.   We could spend a lot of time working through various elements of this prophecy, but I’ll attempt to be brief (and hope my brevity doesn’t lead to further misunderstanding).  While the passage may be confusing, one of the key statements Jesus made was that the prophecy was fulfilled in the actions of the religious leaders who were opposing him.

• Jesus had said previously that the religious leaders had taken away [from the people] the key to knowledge (Lk 11.52).  In effect, they had turned from their roles as priests, teachers & leaders, and adopted a political and religious mind-set which they inflicted on the people, thereby leading them away from God.  In doing this they removed the potential for the people to access the keys of spiritual truth given to them through the scriptures.  Jesus came to restore the keys to the knowledge of the kingdom back to the people (Mt 13.11; cf 16.19).
• In maintaining the positions of teachers & priests they had access to the truths of God. This meant they were ever seeing and ever hearing.  But in relinquishing their role as teachers & priests of God, and engaging in the religious and political mindsets, their hearts become increasingly calloused.  This is how they became those who did not perceive or understand.
• In their position, they led the people of Israel to reject God’s message as presented through Jesus. Following this widespread rejection by the nation of Israel, the disciples soon took the message of the God’s love to other nations and peoples.  A careful study of Scripture uncovers how it was always God’s plan for all people to have access to his salvation (cf Romans 11).
• Jesus clearly stated that this prophecy from Isaiah was fulfilled (Mt 13.14).  This means it no longer applies as a prophetic declaration about a future people – it’s already been fulfilled. While the principle of the message may remain true for those who choose to remain behind closed eyes and ears, the prophetic declaration in itself reached its fulfillment in Jesus’ day.  On that basis, it is incorrect to interpret from this passage that God is, in some way, intentionally keeping people from seeing or hearing His message.

Significantly, even though the prophecy was about a people who remained calloused, those people were offered an opportunity to change.  The passage says that if the Pharisees had ‘turned’ by opening their eyes to see and their ears to hear, they would have been able to recognise God’s word in their hearts and He would have healed them.  This is one of the most incredible passages in the New Testament.  It reveals the extent of God’s grace and mercy.  It reveals His heart for people to be saved from the condition of their heart – even the hardest and most calloused of hearts.  It also reveals His integrity and commitment to honour His Word.

But, this passage also holds a significant key to realising how God delivers his message.  We know he delivers His message through his spoken Word; so it can be heard.  But this passage makes clear he also delivers his message in such a way it can be seen.

Before Jesus began explaining the detail of the parable to the disciples, he told them, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you…” and, “whoever has will be given more…” (Mt 13.11, 12).  Therefore, it is important we carefully consider what we hear… and what we see.