Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 13:51

"Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea." — Matthew 13:51 (ASV)

They say unto him, Yea, Lord.

They answered very glibly, yet probably not one of them fully understood the seven parables in this chapter. If anyone did so, he would be like the instructed scribe described in the next verse:

This is a very important question. To understand truth is essential; to understand it all is desirable. The mere letter or parable, without a sense of the meaning, will neither give life to nor sanctify. As food must be eaten, digested, and assimilated, so must truth be taken up and taken in by the mind.

Could we say, “Yes, Lord,” if He were to ask us? Do we even understand the seven parables which He has here given us? Did those who said, “Yes, Lord,” comprehend the Master’s teaching as they might have done? Probably their view of their own understanding was not as humble as it might have been.

Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things?

This is a question which constantly needs to be put to all hearers and readers of the Word. Have ye understood all these things? To be hearers only, or readers only, will avail nothing; the Word must be understood, accepted, assimilated, and so shall it make us wise unto salvation.