Daily Devotional for Monday, January 26

Two Parables of Jesus

“And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand,” Luke 8:10.

In this world of social media, people can present what they want online without anyone ever knowing the truth about their lives. One example might be of a father taking his children to the park and posting a beautiful picture online with a quote describing what a blessing it is to spend quality time with his kids when he really just dropped them off on the playground so that he could sit in his vehicle and scroll on his smartphone. This happens all the time with big companies advertising their products or charitable contributions without sharing the entire truth of the situation.

Jesus had begun gathering more recognition and speaking to larger and larger crowds. The news of His miracles had piqued the interest of all sorts of people. Often, Jesus used parables to teach crowds of people, and in verse 10 He told the disciples His reasoning. Those who truthfully followed Jesus to learn would either understand what He was saying or would make the extra effort to ask as the disciples did in verse 9. Those who lacked genuine interest in seeking the truth would listen to His words and leave none wiser. The spiritual lessons in these two parables take maturity to understand.

In the first, Jesus taught that the Word should be shared everywhere and with all people, but not everyone who hears will understand and take action. He also gave insight on reasons some people never produce fruit. In the second, he stressed the importance of handling spiritual truths and knowledge well. The truth is like a candle, and with the possession of that light comes responsibility to shine it brightly because eventually everyone will know the truth of eternity. May our hearts always long for spiritual wisdom and our actions prove we are genuine followers of Christ as we share the truth with others.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Praise be to God for His holy Word to extend salvation to all people.

Ashley Ridings