by: Jeanette Grattan Parker
Jesus spoke in parables to the multitudes of people and without a parable He did not speak to them (Matt.13:34). His disciples wondered why did He speak in parables to the people but not parables to them? He told them they had a special understanding of what He spoke, but the unbelievers didn’t have that special understanding. He said, “(Matthew 13:11) It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. But, it has not been given to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God” (Mark 4:11). The parables explained these mysteries. He talked about those who were “without,” how they see what is in front of their eyes, but do not have a deeper understanding of what is being taught. If they knew and understood, they would be believers, but they were not. They had mental block of unbelief in their hearts and non-acceptance of Christ as the Son of God. It was unfathomable to them to comprehend. Jesus further explained the parables to his disciples when they asked Him questions in private) and therefore, learned valuable lessons.
They asked about the parable of the Soils (the Sower) in private (Mark 4:10), He said, if they understand they would repent, but because of their hard hearts, they don’t turn and would misinterpret and spread a false Gospel. Jesus further states to them, “If you don’t understand this parable, how will you understand the other parables. Mark repeats to the disciples, you have been given a special divine spiritual understanding to comprehend the words of our Master; saying that if you don’t understand, the Adversary comes “immediately” and snatches away whatever vague understanding you may have. And that’s how the adversary is. He doesn’t hesitate or delay to take steal, kill and destroy God’s people. He is punctual. Hearing and following “the Shepherd’s” voice requires listening, attentive ears!
John 10:27 says: “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.” To the others, He said, “(John 10:25-26) you do not believe and you are not my sheep.” This helps to explain our Lord’s use of parables. And to add even more to these deep scriptures, Jesus goes on further to explain, “(Matthew 13:12) those who have, more will be given them and those who do not have, it will be taken away.” Such is what we see in the parable of the sower and other parables, statements of increase and of judgment. He’s saying, there are those who will not reap the benefits of being diligent in seeking to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Blessings for those who have and will have an abundance. Is he talking to you? Have you identified your stance and commitment to the Lord? He says, “when the seed is sown on good ground, it will multiply thirty, sixty, a hundredfold.” Tend, cultivate the soil, listen to the voice of the Lord. Spend time with Him and train your mind.
Let’s take a look at the “secret seed” in Mark 4:26-29. Can you put the sugar in a lemon or a lime grow and explain huge lemons larger than large grapefruits, with no tending, watering by human hands nor cultivated by a gardener or farmer? It just grows and grows and multiplies of itself in season Man cannot intrude into God’s perfect work. So, here too, our Lord shares with us the secrets (mysteries of the kingdom). “The kingdom of heaven (Mark 4:26-29) is like unto treasure hid in a field, which when a man has found, he hides it and he is exceedingly joyful and goes and sells everything he has and buys the field.” Yes. When we direct our attention and seek first and only His kingdom and His righteousness, all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Jeanette Grattan Parker Ph.d-Founder-Superintendent
Today’s Fresh Start Charter School
4514 Crenshaw blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90043.
www.todaysfreshstart.org
Weekly Columnist for LA Sentinel News
askdrjeanette.successontheway@gmail.com
“Inquiring Minds Want To know.”© All rights reserved. Partial Scripture list references: Jeanette Grattan Parker is Founder-Superintendent of Today’s Fresh Start Charter School:4514 Crenshaw BL, LA 90043 323-293-9826 www.todaysfreshstart.org Dr. Jeanette’s Articles are copyright. All rights reserved. Inquiring Minds Want To Know” © Ask Dr. Jeanette (TM) www.Ask Dr.Jeanetteparker.com. Askdrjeanette.successontheway@gmail.com. Let me know. Dr. Jeanette also writes a weekly article for The Los Angeles Sentinel News. Dial in Sundays for music & message: 11:30am {1-712-775-8971—code 266751}
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