Mark 4 - Parables

Jesus spoke in parables. Is that so they would not know? I think that is an exaggeration. Jesus wanted them to have to work for their knowledge. When something comes too easily we take it for granted. We do not value it as much. Having to work for makes it more memorable.

Wisdom is free. But we must work for it. We must study, listen, make the time, ask dumb questions. The disciples were humble enough to admit they did not understand. They asked the dumb questions. Sometimes Jesus mildly berates them but he always answers their questions. I think that is what made them disciples, they asked.

If others had asked don't you think Jesus would have answered? The Pharisees asked, testing Jesus. Yet Jesus always gave them a good answer. Often it was difficult to understand. But if they took the time to unpack it, it was full of wisdom.

Jesus' parables were not impossible to understand. On the surface they were often interesting even funny stories. Yet with reflection the meaning was usually not difficult.

Jesus parables used illustrations drawn from every day life, experiences these men had had or knew about. For example the parable of the sower (4:3+) was familiar to those much closer to the land than we are. Many of us have never truly seen a farm much less worked on one. And seed planting is done differently now. So it might be harder for us. But still not impossible.

People then tended to find distractions to while away time just as we do today. We have our computers, TVs etc. We go to clubs, movies, sporting events. We keep our minds occupied and never consider God. Why are we here? What does it mean to be alive? What happens after death? If there is a God, what is his relation to me?

Jesus came to force these people to think about such things. People in all eras could get busy and concentrate only on the moment. Jesus insisted that people work for it, that they seek wisdom if they are to obtain it.

Jesus gave them tantalizing stories. He forced them to think about eternal things. Jesus let them know wisdom was available and desirable. But they had to do some work to get it. If wisdom comes too easily we will not appreciate its value.

God, through his Holy Spirit, seeks to get us to think now as well, to seek wisdom. Finding wisdom will give us true peace.