Mark 4

Mark 4 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson

 

One of the harder passages to understand is when Jesus teaches that parables both conceal and reveal.  We see this in Mark 4:10-13 (see also Matt 13:10-15; Luke 8:9-10).  Parables present a challenge to the listener.  Look at the passage in Mark.  First, Jesus tells the parable of the 4 soils or some call it the Sower.  But the emphasis is on the different soils or the receptivity of people as they hear God’s Word.  In verse 10, at a later time it appears, Jesus tells them parables to conceal the truth “or at least to present it in a veiled way” (Carson EBC, p. 307 where he comments on the gospel of Matthew).

                This is the passage: Mark 4:10   And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 And he said to them, “To you has been given gthe secret of the kingdom of God, but for hthose outside everything is in parables, 12 iso that “‘they jmay indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they kshould turn and be forgiven.’”

                First, notice that God gives the secrets of the kingdom of God.  This revelation concerns the mystery of the kingdom of God.  As Ladd writes, the “mystery of the Kingdom is the coming of the kingdom into history in advance of its apocalyptic manifestation” (Ladd, Presence p. 222).  Jews were looking for the Kingdom of God, but the Jew’s understanding of the Kingdom was far different than our Lord’s.  “. . . the kingdom, . . . has in fact entered into the world in advance, in a hidden form to work secretly within and among men” (Ibid. p. 225).

                The Biblical writes never pit God’s sovereignty and man’s freedom against one another.  These ideas do not need to be reconciled because they are not at odds or enemies of one another.  Both are true: God is absolutely sovereign, and man has freedom.  God’s sovereignty is absolute; man’s freedom is not.  And notice that when Mark inserts this message of the grace and judgment of parables, Mark also includes “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”  in verse 9 which sounds like an invitation to listen carefully to God’s Word.

                But there is judgement in this pronouncement.  There are those who have been given understanding (“to you has been give the secret of the kingdom . . .” Mk 4:11), are included, are chosen.  There are also those who do not perceive or understand, who are excluded (Mk 4:11 “outside”), who are not chosen.  This is not at odds with God’s justice unless you think that God owes them something. 

                So, parables are not given so everyone can understand.  They are a challenge and almost serve as a judgment on the listeners.  Can there be moral guilt assigned to unbelievers and can we affirm God’s election in the same instance?  Of course.  Read Acts 2:23 where Peter says that Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God,” yet those who did it are guilty “you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.”  The cross is both God’s “definite plan” yet his death on the cross was at “the hands of lawless men.”

                If that doesn’t make sense, you will not be able to make sense of Mark 4:24-25, “And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: awith the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. bFor to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

                We need to be careful about the condition of our hearts (or soils as Mark 4 reminds us) and watchful over how we hear.  Guard your heart will all diligence for from it flows the issues of life – Prov. 4:23.  How are you responding to those who teach you?  Are you critical?  Do you have a title or age that makes it hard to listen to others?  

                Can you affirm that God has the right to reveal to some and conceal to others?  Does God owe you the salvation of your spouse, children, family members?  Must He do that in order to be just in your eyes?   Are you making demands and then standing off to see if He does the right thing?  Oh, may it never be.  God owes us nothing.   God does not need to explain to us how or why He does what He does (Ps. 115:3).

                Father, I do not understand why I have been given the spiritual insight I have.  Although tiny compared to others, I still will never understand why I am included.  At least I won’t understand this side of heaven.  Help me to continue to watch how I listen to Your Word.  Help me to be engaged and plugged in when I interact with Your Word knowing I am not merely engaging with words but the Living Word.  Thank you that You, by Your Spirit, have given me insight and a desire to know and obey You.  In Christ’s glorious name.  Amen.