Matthew 13:16
Monday, 22 September 2025
But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; Matthew 13:16
“And you, blessed the eyes, because they see, and the ears, because it hears” (CG).
In the previous verse, Jesus finished the quote from Isaiah concerning Israel’s spiritually deadened state. Now, He contrasts His disciples to the overall nation, saying, “And you, blessed the eyes, because they see.”
These words are in line with what was already said in verse 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.’”
They had willingly followed Jesus. Because of this, He would explain His parables and other seemingly cryptic sayings to them without reservation. However, the general crowd would only be given the parable without an explanation.
If they wanted to know what the meaning of His words was, they would need to ask. It is sure that He would not purposefully hide the explanation from someone who wanted to know. This is all the more certain because the gospels were eventually written and disseminated.
Because of this, all it took was seeking. In doing so, they would find what they sought. This step was unnecessary for the disciples who were there with Jesus and were provided the explanations. As seen in a previous commentary, this is stated explicitly in Mark –
“And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it. 34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.” Mark 4:33, 34
Along with seeing eyes, Jesus also says, “and the ears, because it hears.” Some texts read this in the plural, “they hear,” others in the singular. The point is that the spiritually lethargic state that permeated most of Israel did not permeate all of it. The disciples and those like them who were looking for the truth would find it.
Life application: Having dulled senses is not restricted to Israel, although at this time it is a national condition. Along with them, there are innumerable people in the world who are likewise affected. They feel secure in their religiosity and are uncaring about whether what they believe is actually the truth of God or not.
Unfortunately, this condition permeates much of the church as well. People go to church on Sunday morning, listen to the sermon, go home, and nothing in their lives is changed. The message they hear isn’t taken to heart, and the word doesn’t penetrate the dull ears.
But this isn’t merely limited to congregants. There are churches full of dead pastors. They speak from the pulpit about how love wins, that God accepts people’s lifestyle regardless of how perverse they may be, and speak ill of those who want to rectify the immorality in their nations, either through politics or conservative churches.
To them, the Bible is a pick-and-choose tool to obtain verses that will keep people feeling good and coming back. Maybe it isn’t even referred to at all. Their concept of Jesus is driven by sexual mores or financial gain, apart from the reality of how God has presented Him in His word.
When you talk to people about Jesus, pay attention to what they say. The truth is, just because they attend church, it does not mean that they are saved. You may need to evangelize them as much as the drug addicts and hookers in your town’s shady district.
Don’t assume that someone is right with Jesus from their initial words to you. Pay heed, get to know what they believe, and be ready to present Jesus and what He expects, as is outlined in Scripture. And you cannot do this without knowing the word. Please read, know, and contemplate your Bible.
Lord God, help us to be discerning about those around us. May we not assume that just because someone says he is a Christian that he is saved. Rather, may we be attentive and carefully present the gospel for all. People need Jesus, the true Jesus, whom You have revealed in Your word. May we be willing to tell the world about Him. Amen.
