Mark Hagen

October 31, 2010

Liveoak Bible Church

Matthew 16:16-17:Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven. …”

“This passage seems to say that Jesus withheld His message from those outside not only in order that they would fail to understand but in order that they would be unable to repent and be forgiven. It must be admitted that this is a most difficult concept.”

- Robert Stein, “An Introduction to the Parables of Jesus”, pg. 34

“Perhaps the best way to understand v. 12 is that it simply teaches that one reason Jesus taught in parables was to conceal the truth to persistent unbelievers. Jesus' parables were not always clear. The disciples themselves had difficulty understanding them (cf. 7:17). So Jesus taught in parables (at least on some occasions) so that His enemies might not be able to comprehend the full significance of His words and bring false accusations or charges against Him. He knew that in some cases understanding would result in more sin and not in accepting the truth. Then, too, God does on occasion harden some people in order to carry out His sovereign purposes (cf. Ro 11:25-32).”

- Expositors Bible Commentary, Mark 4:12

Matthew 11:25-26:At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was Your good pleasure. …”

2 Corinthians 4:3-4:And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

1 Timothy 4:13:Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

2 Timothy 4:1-2:In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge:

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.