“With many such parables [Jesus] was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples” (Mark 4:33-34).
It would have been exhilarating to be part of that exclusive group to whom Jesus explained everything! After speaking to the crowds, who were generally left scratching their heads, the disciples were privy to Jesus’ intended application of the parables He spoke.
There are reasons that Jesus did not speak plainly to all the people. A prophecy from Isaiah 6:9 presents one reason, saying, “Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.” The people of Jesus’ time were like those in Isaiah’s time: they hardened their hearts against God’s commands, and most would not listen to simple, straightforward teaching (cf. Matt. 13:15).
Today, listen better than they did. There is no private group today to whom God reveals more information than to others. He has revealed all the truth through the Holy Spirit to His apostles (John 16:13), and He has recorded it for every person to read in the Bible (Eph. 3:4). God invites every person to enter the inner circle through the written word, where He communicates the truth and makes His intentions plain.
Do not look for God through feelings and mysticism. He has presented Himself to all people through the Bible. If you read it, you will understand His worthiness to be worshipped, His love for you, and how you can be at peace with Him through Jesus Christ. The time for riddles and fog has passed, the time for clarity in Jesus has arrived. Open the Bible and find it!