Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes, and he did not speak to them independent of a parable,
These things I have spoken to you in veiled words. The hour comes, when I will no more speak to you in veiled words, but will inform you plainly about the Father.
Because of this I speak to them in parables, because seeing they see not, and hearing they hear not, nor do they understand.
And he spoke many things to them in parables, saying, Behold, the man who sows went forth to sow.
Jesus spoke this allegory to them, but those men did not understand what it was that he spoke to them.
His disciples say to him, Lo, now thou speak plainly, and speak not one veiled word.