Parables

[alex_31]

Hello to all,

In Mark 4:11-12 Jesus says the mysteries of the kingdom of God are taught in parables to those who are not disciples, so that they cannot understand lest they be converted and forgiven. Could this possibly be because Jesus had not yet gone to the cross to reconcile God and man, or that the hearts of the people were hardened and not yet able to receive the Gospel message?

Any comments would be appreciated...

[sdktlk]

Hello to all,

In Mark 4:11-12 Jesus says the mysteries of the kingdom of God are taught in parables to those who are not disciples, so that they cannot understand lest they be converted and forgiven. Could this possibly be because Jesus had not yet gone to the cross to reconcile God and man, or that the hearts of the people were hardened and not yet able to receive the Gospel message?

Any comments would be appreciated...

The mysteries of the kingdom of God can only be understood by those who are disciples, that is learners or followers. If I read "bless them that curse you" and I say no way, I am no longer a follower for I have consented not to, "wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1Tim 6:3) I may think I'm walking in the Light as I continue to gather knowledge about the Word of God, but I'm not. For if I reject the Word at any point my revelation from God stops, though I may continue to "learn." If I later repent and receive those words of the Lord I will find that I am restored and can again receive real Light. The mysteries are only revealed to those who follow Jesus to and through the cross.

[OneLight]

Hello to all,

In Mark 4:11-12 Jesus says the mysteries of the kingdom of God are taught in parables to those who are not disciples, so that they cannot understand lest they be converted and forgiven. Could this possibly be because Jesus had not yet gone to the cross to reconcile God and man, or that the hearts of the people were hardened and not yet able to receive the Gospel message?

Any comments would be appreciated...

On one hand, they also had to be explained to the disciples, so to me they are a form on which to get people to think. On the other hand, their culture then used stories to tell truths, so to make one think of the meaning and examine their own mind, not just told 1. 2. 3. and that is that. In every parable there is the truth if one searches for it.

[sdktlk]

Hello to all,

In Mark 4:11-12 Jesus says the mysteries of the kingdom of God are taught in parables to those who are not disciples, so that they cannot understand lest they be converted and forgiven. Could this possibly be because Jesus had not yet gone to the cross to reconcile God and man, or that the hearts of the people were hardened and not yet able to receive the Gospel message?

Any comments would be appreciated...

On one hand, they also had to be explained to the disciples, so to me they are a form on which to get people to think. On the other hand, their culture then used stories to tell truths, so to make one think of the meaning and examine their own mind, not just told 1. 2. 3. and that is that. In every parable there is the truth if one searches for it.

True, it did have to be explained as the Spirit had not yet been given. But, our Lord did say, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand." (Luk 8:10) The Lord Jesus made this plain when He said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (Jn 16:12-13) Hereby explaining why they could not yet truly understand.

But, HOWBEIT.... So, by the Word of the Lord, if we are indeed led of the Spirit we all should be able to understand the meanings clearly. There should not be a myriad of "correct" understandings. That is not to say that the Lord cannot use some certain Word to speak to us personally about a matter, but in so far as the meaning of the "mustard tree" we should all clearly understand what's being spoken of there, and so also with all the parables.

Yours in Christ

[Openly Curious]

Hello to all,

In Mark 4:11-12 Jesus says the mysteries of the kingdom of God are taught in parables to those who are not disciples, so that they cannot understand lest they be converted and forgiven. Could this possibly be because Jesus had not yet gone to the cross to reconcile God and man, or that the hearts of the people were hardened and not yet able to receive the Gospel message?

Any comments would be appreciated...

In this chapter it contains a parable of the sower. But before the parable of the sower was revealed or made known in (Mark 4:13-21) The disciples asked Jesus what was the meaning of the parable of the sower. Before the parable was made known Jesus said that it was to them it was given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. Jesus is saying that all of his followers were given the knowledge to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, But to all of the wicked or un-believers that was following Jesus were not all birthed into the kingdom of God but remained in the kingdom of darkness. Although there were un-believers in the midst Jesus said this is why I'm going to speak in parables so that the children of darkness would not know the truth and even though they would be seeing and hearing what Jesus was teaching they wouldn't understand nor perceive but if they would repent of their sins and be converted translated from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light then the truth would no longer be hidden from them as their eyes would be opened.

A parable is a truth that's wrapped up in a memorable story or a word piciure. it could be fictional, dramatized, or can be the result of a vision. Jesus had gave the majority of his teachings through parables. In (Luke 8:4) -- See the parables of Jesus Christ. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

Several of the OT prophets such as Ezekiel spoke in parables I know of at least nine parables given.

[childeye]

Hello to all,

In Mark 4:11-12 Jesus says the mysteries of the kingdom of God are taught in parables to those who are not disciples, so that they cannot understand lest they be converted and forgiven. Could this possibly be because Jesus had not yet gone to the cross to reconcile God and man, or that the hearts of the people were hardened and not yet able to receive the Gospel message?

Any comments would be appreciated...

The reason Jesus spoke in parables is because only spiritually minded people would hear and understand. Everyone who is taught by God comes to Christ. The gospel makes mountains into valleys , it makes the blind seeing and the seeing blind. For God has chosen the lowly things rich in faith so that it might be of God and not ourselves. This is how He erases vanity so He alone is glorified. I do however believe we are supposed to shout from the rooftops what Christ spoke in secret. Your next question may be why does He not give everybody a fair chance? He is establishing an order according to His election for the Kingdom of God in His all knowing wisdom.