13. The reason I use parables in talking to them is that they look, but do not see, and they listen, but do not hear or understand.
14. So the prophecy of Isaiah applies to them: ‘This people will listen and listen, but not understand; they will look and look, but not see,
15. because their minds are dull, and they have stopped up their ears and have closed their eyes. Otherwise, their eyes would see, their ears would hear, their minds would understand, and they would turn to me, says God, and I would heal them.’
16. “As for you, how fortunate you are! Your eyes see and your ears hear.
17. I assure you that many prophets and many of God's people wanted very much to see what you see, but they could not, and to hear what you hear, but they did not.
18. “Listen, then, and learn what the parable of the sower means.