34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:
“I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”
In parabolic jargon, Jesus made known the mysterious manifold wisdom of God – things that had been prior hidden for ages and generations now made known to the saints. Not only was our Lord teaching Truths not previously revealed He was also fulfilling prophecy by the parables He spoke:
2 I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old-- Psalms 78:2 (NIV)
The mystery of the Gospel had been hidden in God – in His purposes and decrees for ages past. Grace was now being poured out and the unsearchable riches of Christ were becoming known to those who had ears to hear. Paul tells us in Ephesians his like calling:
8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. Eph 3:8-9 (NIV)
I am also reminded of Paul’s words to the Colossians who again stated his commission of presenting the Word of God in its fullness – the hidden Word now made manifest:
25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Col 1:25-29 (NIV)
“His wisdom’s vast, and knows no bounds, a deep where all our thoughts are drowned.” Isaac Watts
The fullness of the mystery of the wisdom of God is found in Christ alone. It is not simply in obtaining more information from God; rather it is coming to know what He is like and seeking to follow His ways through His power. The Word is only ours when we have acted on it - becoming effective when we have allowed God to move our hearts and minds and our actions. Jesus came to flesh out God to man. The “wisdom” of the world knows Him not. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians:
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1 Cor 1:20-21 (NIV)
30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Cor 1:30 (NIV)
God Himself provides all revelation – all means of knowing Him. Our understanding comes not from our futile pursuits. Obtaining spiritual knowledge however does require our diligence but it is a diligence and desire to hear from Him – to seek Him with ears prepared and attentive to listen and respond. God has called every believer to go further still in our depth and knowledge of Him – we were not saved for superficiality. It is our privilege to delve into a richer and fuller knowledge of Him Who is boundless in His wisdom. Every sliver of knowledge obtained also carries with it the call to its obedience. Use it or lose it.
“All true knowledge of God is born out of obedience.” John Calvin
“God will never reveal more truth about Himself till you obey what you know already.” Oswald Chambers
Jeremiah tells us:
12 “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jer 29:12-14 (NIV)
“It is light that enables us to see the differences between things; and it is Christ who gives us light.” Augustus Hare