Matthew 13:12-15

12 A person who has received some things will receive even more. He will have lots of good things. Some other people have nothing. Those people will lose even the little bit that they do have. 13 The reason I use stories to talk to other people is this:

These people look,

but they do not really see clearly.

They hear the words,

but they do not really understand.

14 Long ago, the prophet Isaiah spoke a message from God about those people. Now it has become true. God said:

“You will listen and listen,

but you will not understand.

You will look and look,

but you will not see anything.

15 These people do not want to understand.

They are like people who have shut their ears.

They are like people who have shut their eyes.

If they did want to look,

then they would really see.

If they did want to listen,

then they would really hear.

They would understand my message.

They would turn back to obey me.

Then I would forgive them

and I would make them well.” ’