Matthew 13:14

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وفِيهِم تَتِمُّ نُبُوءَةُ أَشَعيا حَيثُ قال: «تَسمَعونَ سَماعًا ولا تَفهَمون، وتَنظُرونَ نظَرًا ولا تُبصِرون.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Matthew explains that people will hear and see but not truly understand or perceive the message, fulfilling a prophecy of Isaiah. Jesus is quoting this to explain why he uses parables.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're watching TV with your parents, and they tell you it's time for bed. You heard them say 'bed,' but you didn't really listen to their whole sentence. So you keep watching, not understanding that it's bedtime already. This is what Jesus means when he says people will see and hear things without truly getting the message.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this gospel around 80-90 AD for a primarily Jewish-Christian audience in Syria or Judaea. The cultural setting was one of growing tensions between Jews who accepted Jesus as Messiah and those who did not, leading to parables being used by Jesus as a method to reveal truths only to the faithful.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where you're studying for an exam but just going through the motions without truly understanding the material. You might 'hear' what's in your textbook or notes but fail to apply it, much like how some people hear the Gospel message but do not understand its profound implications.

Topics

• faith
• understanding
• prophecy
• hearing
• perception
• message

Related Verses

• Isaiah 6:9-10
• Mark 4:12
• Luke 8:10
• John 12:37-41
• Acts 28:25-28

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus use parables?

Jesus used parables as a way to teach truths to those who were ready to understand and hide them from others. It was also a method to engage people's imagination and make the message memorable.

What does it mean to 'see but not perceive'?

This phrase means that someone can observe something with their eyes, but they fail to grasp its deeper meaning or significance. It’s about missing the true essence of what one sees.

How should we approach understanding Jesus' parables today?

To understand Jesus’ parables, it's important to consider both the literal and symbolic meanings. Reflecting on how each part of a story relates to real-life situations can help uncover deeper truths and messages.

What role does Isaiah play in Matthew’s Gospel?

Isaiah provides prophecy that is fulfilled through Jesus’ actions and teachings, serving as a key link between the Old Testament expectations and New Testament realities. This strengthens the argument for Jesus being the Messiah prophesied about.