Word@Work 050 - Mark 4:33-34
Published: Tue, 01/29/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 4:33-34 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything. (NIV)
Illustrations help us learn. Without prior experience, we can only understand something by reference to something we know. The parables provided that link - between the rural economy of His hearers, and the Kingdom, which was home to Jesus. Each parable usually only paints a small part of the picture - but sufficient for people to have their desire for God stirred. And Jesus did not make it complicated. Nor was he ever accused of being boring. He was the ultimate teacher because, with the mind of God, he knew the most important factor for effective communication: it's not what you say, but what they hear that counts.
When God talks to people, He talks personally. Although the seed is broadcast, the Lord knows where each word goes; each has a specific target. He does not lecture us three grades higher than our capacity, but feeds His Word to us, as much as we can understand. Of course, Jesus intended that the disciples would learn more: so he picked up on the parable stories in private, and explained their meaning to his trainee apostles.
In almost three years, the disciples were taught the 'secrets of the kingdom' (as much as they could understand), and the Lord sometimes properly chided their refusal to apply what they had heard. Their privilege, like ours, was to spend time alone with Him - time to reflect and ask questions, time to get to the root of God's answers. Private time with Jesus is the commodity most likely to be squeezed in our busy lives - but without it, our understanding of the most important business ever will be defective ... and so will we.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for your amazing knowledge of how much I can understand. Please give me a greater appetite to understand your Word and to spend time alone with You. Help me to recognise those who are spiritually hungry, and fed them appropriately, and encourage them to speak with you privately. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Illustrations help us learn. Without prior experience, we can only understand something by reference to something we know. The parables provided that link - between the rural economy of His hearers, and the Kingdom, which was home to Jesus. Each parable usually only paints a small part of the picture - but sufficient for people to have their desire for God stirred. And Jesus did not make it complicated. Nor was he ever accused of being boring. He was the ultimate teacher because, with the mind of God, he knew the most important factor for effective communication: it's not what you say, but what they hear that counts.
When God talks to people, He talks personally. Although the seed is broadcast, the Lord knows where each word goes; each has a specific target. He does not lecture us three grades higher than our capacity, but feeds His Word to us, as much as we can understand. Of course, Jesus intended that the disciples would learn more: so he picked up on the parable stories in private, and explained their meaning to his trainee apostles.
In almost three years, the disciples were taught the 'secrets of the kingdom' (as much as they could understand), and the Lord sometimes properly chided their refusal to apply what they had heard. Their privilege, like ours, was to spend time alone with Him - time to reflect and ask questions, time to get to the root of God's answers. Private time with Jesus is the commodity most likely to be squeezed in our busy lives - but without it, our understanding of the most important business ever will be defective ... and so will we.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for your amazing knowledge of how much I can understand. Please give me a greater appetite to understand your Word and to spend time alone with You. Help me to recognise those who are spiritually hungry, and fed them appropriately, and encourage them to speak with you privately. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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