“Parables”

 

BIBLE READING : Mark 4-6

   In Mark 4, the author begins his description of the life of Jesus by discussing several of the parables Jesus used to illustrate a lesson to the people. Parables are often defined as a “heavenly story” with an “earthly meaning.” In these verses, Jesus explains to the disciples that he uses parables so those who reject him will hear but will not understand what he is saying.  Although parables were a common method of teaching Mark only describes four parables in his gospel. In contrast, Matthew relates 15 and Luke lists 19.  In an earlier devo it was shown that to Mark, Jesus was a man of “Action.” Mark does relate the parables of the sower and the seed and the light hidden under a basket to show how Jesus reached out to the people, but his purpose was not understood by the unbelievers as is shown in chapters 4:35-5:43. In these verses, Mark shows the “Ultimate Authority” Jesus has by showing his authority over nature (storm at sea), his power over demons (man with an unclean spirit), his power over illness (woman with blood disorder), and ultimately his power over death (Jarius’ daughter) in spite of the demonstration of unbelief among many of the people. If you notice in these verses, multitudes of the people are unwilling to believe in Jesus as illustrated by their unwillingness to understand the parables, the disciples questioning as to how Jesus could stop the storm, the people begging him to leave their country after he cast out the demons, and the weeping and wailing of the people prior to the raising of the young lady. In chapter 6 we learn that even though Jesus has established his ultimate authority, his own relatives and friends in his hometown of Nazareth will not accept him as the son of God. “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? (6:2). In spite of their rejection and the death of his cousin John by the hands of Herod, Jesus sends his disciples out to spread the word about the salvation that can be found in following Jesus. The rejection of the Jewish leaders is further shown by their reaction to the feeding of the 5000, a miracle that could not be denied. Their rejection was so strong, that Jesus even questions the disciples about their faith in him. (John 6:66-69) The chapter ends on a high note however, as Mark describes how the people of Gennesaret welcomed him and spread the news about his presence and  brought all their sick to him to be healed.