Before we discuss Matthew 13:16-17's meaning, let us search for
its context. Notice that this Gospel story-unit comprises only two verses.
Where do these verses belong in the chronology of events in Jesus' life?
The author of Luke places them after Jesus' rejoicing in the Holy Spirit
(Luke 10:21-22) and before the Lawyer's Question (Luke 10:25-28); however,
Matthew's author places them in an entirely different context — following
The Reason for Speaking in Parables (Matt 13:10-15) [probably because of
the common words "see" and "hear" in Matt 13:13-15]
and before The Interpretation of the Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:18-23).
It is probable that, as the Gospel of Luke records, the original
context of Jesus' saying about the blessed eyes and ears was the return
of Jesus' disciples from their great (perhaps first) healing and preaching
mission (Luke 10:1-12). The disciples were excited: "Lord, even the
demons are subject to us in your name!" (vs. 17). Jesus was excited,
too: "I was watching Satan fall like lightening from heaven!" (vs.
18). And Jesus gave thanks that his heavenly father had concealed "these
things" (probably, razei el, the secret things, or mysteries,
of God) from the "wise and understanding" (the self-righteous?),
bu
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