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by Sandy Shaw
We move on into Mark Chapter 4 at verse 1. Jesus had no props and no Powerpoint when He was teaching, but Jesus used what was around Him.
Jesus used parables – and it is an amazing tool – like a children’s address in a way, but occasionally people will remember the Children’s Address but not the lesson!
A parable is a story. A children’s address, if it is a story, will even make people smile or laugh, but it is not entertainment.
A parable is more than a story with a moral. They are stories with a meaning – the word means – “to make a comparison”.
Is it an earthly story with a heavenly meaning – that is partially true – but when Jesus spoke they were spoken and not written at that time – and you could forget some of the points.
It is not just a story with a meaning – and with a moral – but a story with a mirror – where you can see God more clearly – or where you can see yourself more clearly.
The “prodigal son” is not just about the young man who went away, and spent all the money and wealth. It is also about the elder brother and the father.
A parable is a story with a mystery in it – a secret – so that when some people see it they cannot see it – and they hear it but cannot understand.
It does not always give light, but sometimes may increase darkness.
The disciples ask – what was that all about – and Jesus answers – you will understand the mystery, as I give you the secret.
The truth is revealed to the right people, and hidden from the wrong people.
This is what happens with this parable.
Some would go away and say – I just do not know what Jesus was on about.
But others would know and grasp the truth and understand and go away make changes in his or her life – some always want to go further.
Do you want to go further with God?
Were some there only to see if Jesus would do some more miracles?
Jesus was very popular at this time.
Jesus sorted people out by using parables.
Jesus wanted to give people what they needed, and not just what they wanted.
Most wanted healing and health and miracles.
Jesus is holding up a mirror – and challenging people to see themselves and see God.
Most of us know the parables. What happens during preaching? Is it remembered? Are there changes? Does it have a great effect? Is the world changed following the preaching of the Word of God?
Why did Jesus use parables? Was it because He liked clear illustrations? Would that be true of verses 10,11?
Jesus answers these questions in this parable.
Jesus preaches with wisdom – either this or that – a broad way or a narrow way – a good tree or a bad tree.
Jesus uses proverbs and bases His teaching on Old Testament passages – or He would speak clearly as in John Chapter 10 on the sheep and the shepherd - or John 15 – on the vine and the branches.
Jesus tells parables because in line with Scripture He blinds deafens or hardens!
The secrets of the kingdom have been given to you.
Jesus quotes from Isaiah Chapter 6 in our passage as He answers the question of the disciples.
God asks for someone to go for US – here am I (quietly and humbly) – can You use me? And then God tells Isaiah what to preach and what will happen. How long will this last? A long time!
You will have a whole lifetime of ministry where there will be little to show for it, but Isaiah does see a stump with a shoot coming from the stump of Jesse.
A Christological promise is given – away back in Isaiah.
Parables are rather wonderful and there are various reasons as to why Jesus used them.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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