Mark 4:1-2, 10-12 He Began to Teach

Apart from the prototypical gospel of chapter one (The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel) the red letters thus far in Mark are mostly responses to challenges. Yes we have learnt a lot from Marks story so far: Jesus is powerful and attractive, He wants us to think and act in new ways and most of all He wants us, not just to be saved, but to become His family. This, however is the first place where Jesus can say what He wants.

Jesus is sitting in a boat just off the shore of Lake Galilee,. A great multitude gather within earshot. What will He do?

"He taught".

Mark uses this word in contrast to preaching (which means to herald) in Mark 1:21-22 where Jesus taught in the synagogue with authority and in Mark 2:13 where Jesus taught the multitude. In neither case was the content mentioned. So here we learn what Jesus really wants say... what is on His heart.

The surprise is that He tells parables: "(symbolic) fictitious narratives (of common life conveying a moral)" says my Strongs.

Why stories? Probably because a story is more memorable, and it can pack a more emotional punch. But whatever the reason, Mark and the other gospel writers spend time with His "stories". They must be important.

In verses 10-12 ,Jesus seems to indicate that the parables were intended to stop the people understanding and to prevent their repentance. This doesn't ring true for me. Why would Jesus want only his "twelve" to know the mystery of the kingdom? Why would He try to hide His message?

He is just acknowledging the fact that becoming a Christian is a huge change. It is not just about accepting some propositions, some overnight change. It about becoming one of those who sit about Him who listen then stay to learn about the Speaker.

Jesus is attacking our penchant for the "quick fix". I want God to fix up my life and give me all the spiritual blessings I can possibly have NOW. Jesus says, "Listen to My stories, they are a time bomb, they will work on your mind, grow in your heart until you will want to sit with Me and let Me become your Brother.

In verse 12, Jesus is quoting Isaiah where the "returning and "forgiveness" is "healing". Jesus is still healing here and healing takes time and effort.

The first parable Mark reports talks about both of these things (time and effort) but before we get onto it, we need to look at what is happening.:

Jesus has been healing, arguing and forgiving. This has attracted a 'multitude' of people. People, like us, ready to rush off on their latest enthusiasm. Jesus dampens this down with simple little stories, that seem like stupidity at first. He slows the whole process down so people have time to 'become' His family.

It is paradoxical, we don't see until we know we don't see, we understand only when we know we don't understand. Here Mark presents Jesus as a teacher too interested in the learners to let them off easily, too intolerant of sinfulness to let its roots go uncut.