Matthew 13-16

13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

Jesus speaks according to our willingness to understand. Are there some counselling sessions we could cut much shorter if we realised that for all our words the person does not want to hear?

That said, Jesus did take the time to speak, but in a way that solicited the passive to seek understanding. Perhaps good counselling is less about giving answers, and more about stimulating action?

22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

This is the Western church.

14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

If we wish to move in the gift of healing we must be exposed to the need and let the Holy Spirit's compassion flow.

17 “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven"....23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan!"

It amazes me how quickly we can move from revelation to deception. I assume it must be pride that caused Peter to rebuke Jesus: we must be careful to remain humble and not overstep our authority in our moments of spiritual "success".

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me...The Son of Man...will reward each according to his works."

We have a choice. Sacrifice now and reward later. Or temporal pleasure now and much less later. The church in the west does not understand Paul's statement that we Christians are to be pitied if there is no resurrection from the dead.