Hello dear one. Happy Monday! How are your readings going? Are you remembering to start with a Request of God, asking for His help in understanding? That makes ALL the difference for me, when I am reading a passage. Today, let’s talk about parables, shall we? I have long pondered Jesus comment about them, quoting Old Testament scripture (Isaiah 6:9-10). Here is what He said in Mark 4:11-12:
He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:
‘When they see what I do,
they will learn nothing.
When they hear what I say,
they will not understand.
Otherwise, they will turn to me
and be forgiven.’”
I am not a theologian, but here’s what I think. First of all, I think parables drew in the listeners who had hearts eager to learn. They listened carefully and longed to decipher them and understand their meaning. So, when they DID understand, the process of “getting there” cemented Jesus’ words in their brains. And for those who did not care? Well, we remember stories WAY better than we remember sermons. So, perhaps the stories would stick in their brains and later on they’d remember and the Spirit would illuminate it for them then? Because then, after they opened their eyes, they would turn to Him and be forgiven! Whatever His reasons, we all remember the parables. Stories resonate. I love that He spoke in parables! What are your thoughts on this topic?
My recorded verse: Mark 4:8 “Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was 30, 60, and even 100 times as much as had been planted!”
My response: Till the soil of my heart, Lord! Remove the stones and weeds. Help me produce a crop for your glory!
