Jesus spoke in parables to hide truth, rather than reveal it. By doing so, the casual listener was protected from accountability for truth they were not ready to embrace

We can look at our weakness and hide in our shame, or we can turn to the One who has paid for it all. Mercy has been freely given. Now it is our choice to receive.

The Pharisees had reduced the law to a standard that man could keep. They prided themselves on their observance of the law. Jesus however revealed a standard that all would fail.