Matthew 13:11

It is given. The fallow soil of the disciples’ hearts had been broken up by the plowshare of the Holy Spirit (see on Hosea 10:12), and the disciples received the seed of truth with joy. Only those who “will do his will” can expect to “know of the doctrine” (John 7:17). The perception of truth depends not so much on keenness of intellect as upon sincerity of desire.

Mysteries. That is, things that are hidden from those who are not sincerely interested in knowing the truth. They are not mysteries in the sense that they cannot be understood or that they are deliberately withheld from some and bestowed upon others. The gospel is “foolishness” to some (see 1 Cor. 1:23) because “the natural man,” unconditioned by the influence of the Holy Spirit, has no capacity for receiving “the things of the Spirit of God” (see 1 Cor. 2:14). The reason he cannot know them is simply that “they are spiritually discerned,” and he lacks the discernment, or insight, necessary to grasp their meaning. Spiritual perception comes only by the operation of the Holy Spirit (see John 16:13; cf. Matt. 16:17).

Not given. See on v. 12. According to Mark the “mystery” of the kingdom is not for “them that are without” (see ch. 4:11), that is, for those outside the circle of followers. There is no purpose in revealing truth to those who would rather not have it (see on Matt. 7:6). It is only those who “hunger and thirst after righteousness” who may expect to be “filled” (see on ch. 5:6).