As Christians navigate a world that seems to be in moral freefall, we can relate more than ever to Jesus’ words in Matthew 13:10-17. When His disciples asked why He spoke to the people in parables, Jesus answered, “This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13:13, ESV). These words explain much of what we see today—people can witness the decline in values around them, yet many do not perceive the truth behind it.
Jesus’ parables were designed to reveal truth to those whose hearts were open, while hiding it from those who were spiritually blind. Today, it feels like many are seeing but not perceiving. Despite evidence of moral decay, there’s a deep resistance to acknowledging the need for repentance and turning back to God. It’s as though people are walking in darkness, unaware of how far society has drifted from biblical standards. How should Christians respond when the world seems blind to what’s happening?
The Mystery of Spiritual Blindness
When Jesus said, “For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed” (Matthew 13:15, ESV), He wasn’t just talking about the people of His day—He was pointing to a spiritual reality that persists today. Many have hearts that are hardened by sin, and as a result, they cannot see the truth that’s right in front of them.
As Christians, this can be discouraging. We see the brokenness around us, the confusion over basic moral principles, and we wonder how people can’t see what’s happening. But Jesus’ words remind us that spiritual blindness is real. Just as in His day, many people today are “seeing but not perceiving.”
This doesn’t mean we give up hope. We’re called to keep shining the light of Christ, even when others don’t understand it. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Our responsibility is to follow Jesus closely and share His truth with those who are willing to listen.
Responding with Patience and Prayer
When we face a world where people are seeing but not perceiving, it’s easy to become frustrated or disillusioned. However, Jesus’ teaching calls us to respond with patience and prayer. In 2 Timothy 2:25, Paul encourages believers to correct others with gentleness, “God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”
This requires us to remember that only God can open a person’s heart. No amount of argument, debate, or moral reasoning will do it. Our job is to plant seeds of truth and trust that God will bring the growth, even when it feels like no one is listening.
Instead of focusing on the moral decline around us, we should focus on keeping our own hearts open to God’s word. The difference between those who see and perceive, and those who don’t, often comes down to the condition of the heart. Jesus said in Matthew 13:16, “But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.” The blessing of spiritual insight comes from a heart that is soft toward God.
Living with Spiritual Clarity
In a world where many are seeing but not perceiving, how can we maintain spiritual clarity? First, we must remain anchored in Scripture. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s word helps us see clearly when the world is confused.
Second, we need to pray for discernment. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” In a time of moral confusion, discernment is critical. We need God’s wisdom to navigate difficult conversations and make decisions that honor Him.
Finally, we should live with urgency, knowing that Jesus could return at any moment. The moral decline around us is a reminder that time is short, and the opportunity to share the gospel won’t last forever. In Matthew 24:42, Jesus said, “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” We must stay alert, not just for our sake, but for the sake of those who are still spiritually blind.
Conclusion
In these last days, it often feels like we are surrounded by people who are seeing but not perceiving the truth. Jesus’ words in Matthew 13:10-17 remind us that this is not new. The spiritual blindness of many in His day is still present today. But as Christians, we are called to see clearly, to walk in the light, and to patiently pray for those who are still in darkness.
Instead of losing heart over the moral decline around us, let’s keep our focus on Jesus. He alone gives us eyes to see and ears to hear, and He calls us to shine His light in a world that desperately needs it. Keep sharing the truth, praying for discernment, and living with the hope that Jesus’ return is near.
Spread the Gospel; lives depend on it!
I pray, MARANATHA! (Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!)
Your brother in Christ,
Duane
Other posts to continue your study:
What we need today
Living Holy in the last days
