The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Jesus' teaching in parables is provocative and intriguing to those who are open to the Word of God. Such people seek to understand what he’s saying and what it means, like the disciples in Mark 4. However, those who are hardened scoff at the parables and refuse to listen and respond. The quote from the book of Isaiah that  “they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand" is simply saying that while those who are receptive will get more from the message because of their openness while those who are closed-minded will get less of the message precisely because they aren’t listening seriously.