Parables, Poetry, and the Hidden Power of Truth

Parables, Poetry, and the Hidden Power of Truth

Matthew 13:13 – “Therefore I speak to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.”

Jesus often spoke in parables—stories about seeds, fields, vineyards, and weddings. To the casual listener, they sounded simple, even harmless. But underneath the surface, they carried deep, cutting truth about the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and the state of the human heart.

Those who were proud and self-righteous missed the message. They heard only a story. But those who were humble, hungry, and open—people who truly wanted to understand—heard the voice of God speaking through every word. The parable became a kind of spiritual code that revealed truth to those ready for it and hid it from those who would only reject it.

In a similar way, art, poetry, and even music have used this same language of hidden truth throughout the centuries. When the world tries to silence or censor honesty, the truth finds another way to speak. It becomes poetry. It becomes song.

One example is the 1971 Traffic song, The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys. Beneath its smooth rhythm and mysterious lyrics lies a quiet protest against greed and exploitation in the music industry. “The man in the suit has just bought a new car from the profit he’s made on your dreams.” Those words speak volumes—but only to those listening closely. Like Jesus’ parables, they hide their meaning from those who would suppress it and reveal it to those seeking truth.

Whether through Scripture or song, God’s pattern remains the same: truth never stays buried. It finds its hearer. It reaches hearts that are listening. The proud may miss it, but the humble will always recognize the voice of truth when they hear it.

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15)

— Posted by Randy Felts | ScriptureHelps.blogspot.com