Grace Reveals and Conceals
“And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” (Matt 13:10-11 NKJV).
Jesus fulfilled the messianic prophecies one by one before the pharisees, yet they rejected Him (John 1:11; 10:36-38). Matthew says that they blasphemed the Holy Spirit by giving credit to the devil for God’s miracles (Matt 12:22-24). A clear breaking point in Jesus’ ministry takes place after this event. The focus shifts from Israel and the messianic kingdom to the whole world and the Lord’s new work, the church (Matt 16:18; Eph 3:1-21).
Henceforth, Jesus communicates through parables. He clarifies that these parables have a twofold purpose. They are to reveal the truth to those who believe (His disciples) and to conceal the truth from those who disbelieve (the pharisees). God knows all things, both actual and potential, including the national rejection of Him by Israel (Isa 46:10; Matt 23:37-39; Heb 4:13). Jesus says that the generation that witnessed His messianic miracles is more accountable than all previous generations (Matt 11:20-24).
Therefore, it was by grace that God concealed the truth from the religious leaders and the nation of Israel. They were beyond repentance. Increased knowledge would have led to a stricter judgment (Luke 12:48). Likewise, it was by grace Jesus revealed more truth to those who had accepted Him already (Matt 25:29).