33With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Daily QT 8/6/2007 Mark 4: 30-34
30Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
And He said, "How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?
"It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil,yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE." With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples. (Mark 4:30-34 - NASB)
What meaning does the Kingdom of God have to me? Why is Jesus using parables to the people who follow Him? These could be questions we could ask as we read this passage....To me, the Kingdom of God = the depth of our faith in Christ. For example, verse 32 talks about how a mustard seed can grow and become larger than all garden plants.... In the same way, our faith can mature in Christ deeper and deeper every day, though we all begine like baby Christians. As we grow more as His disciples, we have a more intimate relationship with Christ.... I think that having this intimacy with Christ really helps us to see and experience His eternal Kingdom - a Kingdom invisible to our human eyes, but present to those of us who believe.
Further, I think that's the reason why Jesus spoke in parable to this multitude. Jesus knew that majority of His follower sought wonders and miracles through His touch and healings. But Jesus wanted to see people who would be patient and good followers who would stick with Him until the end, so that He could share the secrets of His Kingdom. As we know, His 12 disciples were few of those who remained until the end. How about us? Can we have such steadfast and patient faith in Christ and enjoy intimacy with Him, so that He will share the secrets and beauty of His eternal Kingdom?
I too agree with EBSFellow regarding that Jesus used parables for his teachings. Kingdom of God, to me is a kingdom filled with Christians. Like a mustard seed, even slightest actions we do as we serve God, can lead to a greatest joy such as helping a lost soul return back to God.
Won Min's last questions pierced through my heart. Am I like the majority who seeks God only for wonders and healing? Or do I truly wish to know Him?
When I was younger, I was definitely the latter - but now, I feel more like the former. Strange, because one would think that the natural progression would be to move from the former to the latter. Perhaps that is why Jesus was always exhorting us to have the faith of children. The love and faith of children are purer. There is no manipulation, no tit for tat, no weighing and measuring. It is unconditional, absolute, simple.
Post a Comment