Jesus often teaches in parables. Why? A parable meant to “set one thing beside another.” In other words, parables are meant to compare, to give analogy for the sake of understanding. And in this case, Jesus is trying to get his disciples to understand the Kingdom of God. But while their understanding will be slow in coming, what matters is that Jesus draws those who “have ears to hear.” Parables are meant to draw the humble and teachable, and they are meant to provide a depth of understanding that will send men and women out with the truth of Jesus. Are you hearing? Are you doing?