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Explanation for:
Matthew
13
:
17
For, amen, I say to you, many prophets and just men have desired to see the things that you see, and have not seen them, and to hear the things that you hear and have not heard them.
12
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Truly, I assure you that numerous prophets and righteous individuals longed to witness what you now see and have not had the privilege to perceive, and to hear what you are hearing but have not experienced. Consider carefully the significance of the parable of the sower. At first glance, this might appear to contradict other statements, such as when He mentioned that Abraham, your forefather, rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad (John 8:56). However, it is important to note that He did not claim that all prophets and righteous individuals desired to witness what you behold, but rather that many did. Among that multitude, some may have seen while others did not. Yet, even in this understanding, there lies a risk of implying a distinction in evaluating the virtues of the saints. Abraham had a prophetic vision but did not see directly; whereas you now have Him among you, as if you are in communion with your Lord, engaging with Him freely and sharing a meal together."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Consider that the phrase, \\"To you it is given\\" (Matt. 13:11) does not imply compulsion. If this good deed had not rested upon their shoulders, they would not have been deemed blessed. Do not refer to what He taught in a vague manner. The Jews, like the disciples, had the opportunity to approach Him with questions. Their refusal stemmed from their indifference. And what do I mean by their refusal? They took the opposite stance: they not only chose disbelief, but they also engaged in disputes with Him and showed profound hostility towards His teachings. The Lord rebukes them, referencing the prophet's words, \\"They hardly hear\\" (Matthew 13:15). The disciples, however, were not like this; hence, they were deemed blessed. Additionally, Christ reassures His disciples by stating, \\"Verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see what ye see, and have not seen; and to hear what ye hear, and have not heard,\\" referring to His appearance, miracles, voice, and teachings. Here, He elevates His disciples above not only the wayward Jews but also the righteous individuals. He declares that the disciples are indeed more blessed. Why is this so? Because the disciples perceive not only what the Jews failed to see but also what the righteous longed to witness. While those righteous individuals saw through faith alone, the disciples experience a direct and much clearer vision of the reality. Observe how Christ unites the Old Testament with the New, demonstrating that the righteous of the past not only envisioned the future but also yearned for it. Their longing could not exist if they honored any deity other than the true God."},{"author-name":"Hilarius of Poitiers","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88cb92f12b3278598f946_Hilarius%20of%20Poitiers.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He speaks of the cherished era of the apostles, who had the privilege of witnessing and perceiving the salvation of God. The prophets and the righteous, longing to experience the realization of the prophesied times and that hopeful anticipation, safeguarded that joy for them."},{"author-name":"Theodoret of Cyrus","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8981534fdbcbdf10ec17e_Theodoret%20of%20Cyrus.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"Following the blessings conferred by the prophet Moses, the Lord God revealed to him the entirety of the earth, yet He restrained him from stepping foot within it. This serves as a metaphor for the words of our Savior: 'Many prophets and righteous individuals desired to witness what you see and have not beheld, and to hear what you hear and have not heard' (Matt. 13:17)."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He places the apostles in higher regard than the prophets because the apostles witnessed Christ in the flesh, whereas the prophets could only perceive Him through their intellect. Additionally, the apostles were not graced with the same profound mysteries and understanding. The superiority of the apostles over the prophets is evident in two ways: first, they experienced the Lord in a physical form, and second, they received a deeper spiritual insight into the sacred mysteries."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Numerous individuals, but not everyone; for some were granted the ability to perceive and comprehend the divine events, akin to Abraham and other esteemed figures. Alternatively, many instead of all can be understood in the context of the scriptures: “and healed many” (Mark 1:34), while Christ indeed healed every afflicted person; likewise, “and cast out many demons” indicates that He had authority over all. They yearned to witness the Incarnation of God, the miraculous acts of Jesus Christ, and to absorb His teachings. He referred to the prophets as righteous, or by righteous, He signifies other holy individuals who listened to the prophets’ proclamations regarding Christ and longed to see and hear the fulfillment of those prophecies."},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"When a king intends to visit a city, he sends a herald to inform the inhabitants of his approach. In anticipation of his arrival, the citizens prepare themselves to greet him with the honor he deserves. Likewise, the King of Heaven, poised to enter the world—a magnificent creation of His own design—sent forth messengers, His prophets, to declare His coming. They delivered this proclamation repeatedly and in diverse manners. The faithful and saints of the Old Testament eagerly awaited this event, for \\"Many prophets and righteous men desired to see ...and to hear\\" the Son of God incarnate (Matt. 13:17). When the appointed time arrived, the Heavenly King made His entrance into the world as Jesus Christ, welcomed by all who cherished His divine manifestation. He lived among us, achieving our redemption during His time on earth, before ascending back to heaven to sit upon His Throne of glory. His redemptive message was proclaimed by His holy apostles across the globe, and those who embrace their saving message receive salvation. The prophets of the one Savior, the Son of God, foretold His coming, while the apostles testified of His arrival and the salvation He fulfilled. The faithful in the Old Testament placed their trust in the future Messiah and found salvation; likewise, those of the New Covenant believe in the coming Christ and are eternally rescued. Therefore, the same Christ serves as the Savior for believers throughout both the Old and New Testaments. As Christians, our singular focus should be to honor our Lord and Savior Jesus, the heavenly King, as we await His second coming to grant us eternal salvation through His works and suffering. His first coming has already occurred, and His second is yet to come. The prophets announced, \\"Christ is coming into the world.\\" Indeed, Christ entered quietly and unexpectedly: \\"He came like rain upon the fleece, and like a drop that drops to the earth\\" (Psalm 71:6). As for His return, church leaders proclaim, \\"Christ will come into the world; He will appear once more—unforeseen yet with great majesty.\\" Just as citizens prepare for their king's arrival, we as Christians should anticipate our Heavenly King's coming and ready ourselves for a worthy encounter with Him. Especially since the timing of His return remains unknown, it is crucial to remember He will not come to live, teach, or suffer again—those events have already transpired—but rather to judge and reward each according to their deeds. Let us strive to be vigilant and prepared for our King's arrival, mindful of His urging words: \\"Watch, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming\\" (Matthew 25:13). May we stand at His right hand when He comes."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Many prophets and righteous individuals longed to witness what you now behold, but they did not have that opportunity: meaning My manifestation, miracles, voice, and teachings. The prophets and righteous from the Old Testament walked in faith regarding the forthcoming Messiah; they were granted glimpses of the mysteries of His kingdom and even the visage of the Messiah, though this was revealed to them through visions and familiar symbols. In contrast, the apostles experienced a direct encounter with Christ and heard His teachings firsthand (cf. Jn. 8:56, 1 Pet. 1:10-12, Heb. 11:13). The apostles were favored above the prophets, as they perceived Christ in a tangible way, while the prophets only apprehended Him conceptually. Additionally, the prophets were not bestowed with the same profound mysteries and insights as the apostles. Therefore, the apostles surpass the prophets in two significant ways: they beheld Christ in the flesh and grasped the divine mysteries with a greater spiritual understanding than the prophets did."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"This is the reason I assure you that numerous prophets and virtuous individuals have longed earnestly to witness what you witness, namely, My manifestations and miracles, yet they did not see, and to hear what you hear, meaning, My teachings, yet they did not hear. The prophets and righteous people of the Old Testament lived by faith in My forthcoming arrival and perceived Me solely through visions and representations, but you have the privilege of seeing Me in the flesh and conversing with Me directly. The prophets did not gain insight into the profound mysteries that I am disclosing to you."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The statement—Whoever has, to him shall be given and increased, and whoever does not have, from him shall be taken away even that which he has—might appear puzzling when considered in isolation. However, when we understand this within the context of the preceding and following verses, it becomes evident that it addresses the reception of God’s word regarding the Kingdom of Heaven. This message is comprehensible only to those whose hearts and minds are open to it. Thus, the focus is not on the literal accumulation of material wealth for the rich or the deprivation of the poor. Instead, it pertains to the enrichment of one's spiritual life through genuine knowledge of God.\\n\\nOne might ask, what is the fault of a person who lacks this openness to God’s word? Why should they lose even what little they possess? Our response is that the yearning for divine knowledge is inherent in all rational beings. Yet, many have clouded their understanding with various false beliefs and hardened their hearts, leading them to be resistant to God's message. They may echo frivolous assertions, claiming the Gospel contains many mysteries, causing them to avoid engaging with it. This refusal is their own shortcoming, resulting in the loss of the understanding they once had.\\n\\nHowever, if these same individuals approach the word of God without preconceived notions and read it with faith and a genuine desire to comprehend, they will undoubtedly gain understanding. The more they immerse themselves in the profundity of this message, the more their insight will grow, revealing the brilliance and clarity of divine truth. Blessed are their eyes, for they see; blessed are their ears, for they hear. Many prophets from the Old Testament longed to witness what they foretold, and many righteous individuals yearned for the advent of the Messiah and to hear Him. Yet, they did not see or hear Him. But blessed are your eyes, for they behold, and your ears, for they hear."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Despite its remarkable simplicity and clarity, even the apostles struggled to grasp its significance. When the Saviour returned to the home of Peter in Capernaum, they eagerly sought clarification. This inquiry indicated that the parable had profoundly impacted them, stirring thoughts that craved understanding. The Saviour willingly provided the apostles, who would continue His mission, with an in-depth interpretation of the parable. In response to their question about why He taught in parables, He explained that this was the most effective way to instruct the people, who, as He noted, ‘who seeing see not, and hearing hear not, nor understand.’ This echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah: ‘the heart of these people is hardened, and they hear with their ears, and shut their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts.’ He hoped that these outward symbols would remain in their memories, allowing them to later reconsider their deeper meanings when more receptive. It is only to those chosen disciples that it is granted ‘to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,’ enabling them to serve as proclaimers of these mysteries, and to whom the Saviour could offer insights into the external symbols of the parable."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After the Lord sent away the crowds and was alone in the house with His disciples, those around Him, including the twelve apostles, approached Him with the question, “Why do you explain things to them in parables?” He replied, “The reason is that to you has been granted the understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of God, but to them it has not been given. For them, the truth is veiled and spoken in parables; therefore, I communicate in this way, for those who have sight do not truly see and those who have ears do not truly hear or comprehend. The words of Isaiah have come to pass in them, which state, ‘By hearing you will hear and not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive.’ This prophecy (Is. 6:9-10), as referenced by the Evangelist Matthew from the LXX version, originally addressed the people during Isaiah's time. Those who lived during the Savior's ministry were not any better than the ancestors; rather, they were even more obstinate, remaining deaf and blind to the proclamations and miracles of the Messiah. This condition did not apply to the Lord's disciples, who were granted spiritual insight, able to hear the words of eternal life (John 6:68). They were favored with special acknowledgment in contrast to the righteous of the Old Testament, for He said, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly, I tell you, many prophets and righteous individuals longed to see what you see but did not witness it, and to hear what you hear but did not encounter it,” referring to St. John Chrysostom’s note on “the manifestation of Christ in the flesh, His miracles, and His teaching.”"}]}
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