the parables are part of Jesus’ concealing and hardening ministry as well as part of his revealing and saving ministry. The Word Saves Some and Hardens Some This hard word is a quote from Isaiah 6:9–10 where God tells Isaiah his ministry to Israel will not only be saving for some but hardening for others. God says to Isaiah, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; keep on looking, but do not understand.’ Render the hearts of this people insensitive, their ears dull,