Chapter 56: Why does Jesus speak in parables?

1 And the warriors came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

2 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to understand the mysteries of the warrior of heaven, but to them ease of understanding is not given. 3 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, to him shall stories in simpler words be spoken.

4 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because otherwise in hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 5 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, Ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not follow:

6 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should learn that they must act, and I should be an example for them. 7 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 8 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired in their final moments to have seen those things which ye see; and to have heard those things which ye hear.