Unlimited: Why Jesus Taught in Parables
Mar 11, 2024 22111
When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside, everything is said in parables so that, “‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven” (Mark 4:10–12, NIV).
Many people have wondered why Jesus taught in parables so much. Here Jesus himself gives us the answer.
What Jesus said has caused many people to wonder. Was Jesus really saying that he intentionally didn’t want people to understand? When Jesus taught in parables – was it to prevent them from repenting and being forgiven?
Not at all. 2 Peter 3:9 says that God wants everyone to repent. John 3:16 says is that salvation is for “whoever believes,” and Revelation 22:17 says, “let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
Jesus Taught in Parables for Outsiders
But there are two groups of people in the world.
- There are those who do believe, and who accept the free gift of eternal life.
- And then there are those who persistently refuse to believe in Jesus.
Jesus refers to this latter group as “those on the outside.” He says that no matter how much these people hear about Him and the Kingdom of God they simply and persistently refuse to believe.
And Jesus is saying that there’s no point in speaking spiritual truths clearly to them, since they’ll just twist them and use them against the Kingdom of God.
In effect, Jesus was saying that those who are going to understand, will choose to understand, and those who aren’t won’t. And that’s why he spoke in parables.
– Eliezer Gonzalez
Eli’s Reflection: Do you have spiritual understanding–spiritual discernment–in your life? That’s an important question. You want to learn more about Jesus and his story. Take a moment right now to pray that God, through His Spirit, to open your mind to spiritual things, so that you may see the heart of God. Thank him for opening your eyes and softening your heart.
Joyce Ayorkor Odamtten
Sep 13, 2022
My dad was an Anglican Priest, Reverend Fr. Daniel Adjetefio Odamtten (Deceased) He was in the service for 20years. One I learnt from his that the Bible is our weapon in every battle, therefore Jesus teachings in parables are to strengthen our spiritual growth and understanding in all aspects of our life. I still remember his very first Sermon as a kid "HOW ARE YOU" yes, how are you? If we want understand yes we will understand because God word to me stands for one thing and that is love. The love for His word, the love to do His will the love to stay in harmony with all.
Eliezer Gonzalez
Sep 13, 2021
Wise words, Valerie St. John-Edwards.
Valerie St. John-Edwards
Sep 12, 2021
In the past I would always get frustrated when I would read a passage of scripture then depend on a religious leader to go in depth about that particular passage. One day I came across this passage that said "He always spoke in parables..." then the next part of the verse which said "..privately He explained it to His own" gave me the answer I needed. To know and understand Jesus I have to go to Him to make clear His Way. This passage Mark 4:34 brought to light what is necessary. We need to choose the better place, that is at the feet of Jesus and learn all we end to gain Life..Thank you for this email. May the Spirit of God continue to minister to you as you continue to encourage others. Be blessed
Jane
Jan 17, 2024
No matter all my sins and all my mistakes, I have always asked God to never let my heart be hardened. Even through the worst of times, my heart remained tender. Never hard. In recent times, however, I have been worried about my heart as I have thought it may be hardening. Then again, I have seen over and over that it has not hardened. What this showed me in the first instance, was that God was - and is - still at work in my life, still listening. still hearing. Still loving and answering my prayers. I am humbled. Now, I cry out and thank Him. I might have a way to go but I know I am on the right path. That Jesus and I are on the same page. Walking hand in hand and my heart is tender. How do I thank Him for protecting me.. My heart? By loving Him and listening to Him. By thanking Him with a deep appreciation. I hope and pray that others will call out to Him and tend to their hearts' condition in His Holy Spirit.