And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables,
Today, in the modern day psychology of public speaking, is a vast study of human behavior in regard to speech communication, there is much emphasis on the engagement of the mind and the emotion. Research has shown that, after a speech or talk, the average person "retains" 10% of what they read; 20% of what they hear; 30% of what they see; 50% of what they see "and" hear; 70% of what they say. Although the research is probably sound, on surface this is humorous on many levels. If these facts were true, why do we spend so much time teaching kids to read? Shouldn't we just show them a video of learning and then sit around and talk about it? In the above data, reading is highly over-rated. We should never consider NOT reading, but the fact that these stats are studied and examined, you have to ask, "to what end?" Think of Jesus and His presentation skills. He had no PowerPoint or Keynote on an iPad. He had not video from YouTube or TedTalk. He did have long, engaging conversations with His disciples, however. They engaged in questions and He opened up the Scriptures to them. Our modern day teaching, speaking and expositor skills is not what is being taught by Christ in the above passage. Christ was the master of communication. He used parables (verbal stories of YouTube style) to engage His audience and get them to think. However, not everyone grasps the meaning behind the parables and teaching of our Lord. The above passage gives us insight that true faith based upon His Word, (truth expounded by the Savior), is really only understood because the Spirit of God opens the minds to this knowledge. The world attempts, through public speaking gymnastics, to engage an audience in learning. However, only God can open the mind to Truth. If you are in the business to convey the truth of God's Word, you have to realize not all will "get it" and those who do will only get it because God opens their mind to that Truth. God has, in His will, decided to open the mind of man to the mystery of God and make the Word of God fully known. That was God decision and it remains His decision to reveal the mystery to us. Note the following from Paul's letter to the Colossee church:
Colossians 1:25-27
of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
God must open the mind to truth. Many people can get you to learn through a variety of psychological skills sets that engage the mind and emotion. However, only God can open your mind to Truth. That is how God works. The truth is, we don't know truth unless God chooses to open it. In our teaching and preaching and instructing, we might think we are skilled orators. In reality, we are simply the mouthpiece of God and HE opens the mind, heart and soul to the truth of His Word. He is the surgeon, His Word the scalpel and we are simply the hands and voice He uses to accomplish the task:
Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
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