God's Explanation

Mk. 4:34

"He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples He explained everything."

Jesus spoke in parables as the crowds were able to hear it. His speaking in parables implies that Jesus' message could only be received in its full meaning to hearts that belonged to Him, to hearts that were spiritual. The work of the Spirit had to be accomplished before complete understanding could take place. "We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God...The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to Him, and He is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned...But we have the mind of Christ." [I Cor. 2:12, 14]

Jesus said earlier, "to you (His disciples) has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables." I think that the parable itself explains the reasons why. Jesus said the Word was sown, but in one case, the seed of the Word was sown on rocky ground. These hearers received it with joy, but when the trials came, they fell away. They had no lasting power because their hearts were unchanged by the Word. Their joy was superficial. Some other seeds fell among thorns. These people allowed the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things to choke it out. Once choked, the Word could not grow or produce fruit. What a sad commentary! Satan came and immediately took away the Word that was sown in these people. He knew exactly what would entice them to let go of the good seed and grab on to the world's paltry offerings. But finally, there were those whose seed fell on good soil, who heard, received, accepted, and bore fruit. These people truly belonged to Jesus. As a result, they could understand the parable and its meaning. Their hearts were changed not by a casual hearing of the Word or a short-lived, passing fancy, but by a lifetime commitment that opened up the treasures of the Word of God. Wow! What a hope this gives me! The Word of God is there for me to know, to grow, and to produce the fruit of righteousness.

Father,

Thank you for Your Spirit's work in my life drawing me, teaching me, leading me, and even convicting me. Thank You for changing my nature from from worldly to spiritual, and from death to life. You are a gracious God!

In Jesus name,

Amen