HARDENING AND FATTENING OF HEART: THE FULFILLMENT OF ISAIAH 6:9-10 IN MATTHEW 13:14- 15AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICAN CHRISTIANS

Resumen

This study explores the fulfilment of the prophecy in Isaiah 6:9-10 within the context of Matthew 13:14-15. The passage in Matthew describes Jesus' explanation of why he speaks to the people in parables, citing the prophecy in Isaiah. The abstract nature of the parables is seen as a way to reveal truth to those who are open to it, while concealing it from those whose hearts have grown callous and ears have become dull of hearing. The hardening and fattening of the heart, as described in Isaiah, is interpreted by Jesus as a consequence of the people's refusal to see, hear, and understand the message of the kingdom of heaven. This study examines the historical background of the passages, as well as the literary and theological aspects, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 6:9-10 in the teachings of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 13:14-15. The study employs a hermeneutical approach to the biblical texts, taking into account the original languages and the historical and cultural contexts in which the passages were written. The findings of the study suggest that the hardening and fattening of the heart, as described in Isaiah 6:9-10, find their fulfillment in the response of the people to the message of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 13:14-15. The study concludes with a reflection on the implications of the fulfillment of the prophecy for the contemporary reader, emphasizing the importance of openness and receptivity to the message of the kingdom of heaven.