To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
There is a level of understanding reserved for those who choose to draw close to and follow Jesus. Practically speaking, it makes sense that you will only know certain things about a kingdom by drawing close to the source of that kingdom. In the case of the Kingdom of Heaven, you will only know certain things about it by drawing close to Jesus.
The statement of Jesus above sits in an explanation of the parable of the seeds that Jesus shares with the disciples. In this explanation, we are given a second opportunity to respond. The first opportunity to respond to the parables of Jesus comes in an invitation to draw near to Him for the explanation. The second opportunity to respond comes in how we will react to that explanation.
In the explanation of the parable of the seeds, I am challenged to reflect. How much more likely would the soils of the hearts in the story have received the seed if they simply had simplified their life?
When I look at my life, I see complexity. I have lots of things to maintain; I have a desire to obtain more things; at times I believe that wealth will make me happy, so I think of ways to chase it; I have activities pulling at my time that may or may not be a part of God’s will for my life… how many of these things are in the parable as threats to the germination and maturation of the seed? Probably most of them.
A simplified life is not a spiritual life, but a simplified life might just make room for it if we allow it. A simplified life just might make room for drawing closer to Jesus.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to simplify life. Perhaps today God is asking you to make more room for Him in your day-to-day living. Maybe God wants you to take a step to draw near to Him so that He can show you more of the mysteries of His Kingdom. Perhaps He wants you to minimize those things that can choke out His words.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.
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*Leon, Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992), 338–348, and Keener, C. S., Matthew (Vol. 1, Mt 13:10-23) (InterVarsity Press, 1997).