IBS Application for Mark 4:10-11

“And when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parables. And He said to them, ‘To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables...’”

Here, we catch a glimpse of the sort of relationship we have with God as His disciples and students. These people who were following Him along with the twelve questioned Him concerning why He spoke so often to them and others in parables. His response to their question also proves to be an encouragement to all believers, as it pertains to our ability to discern the meaning of the lessons God teaches us.

For now, I want to focus on the followers’ willingness to ask a question concerning why Jesus was so intent on teaching in parables. To some, this may seem overtly disrespectful towards Jesus, as it could appear as though they are questioning His authority or legitimacy as a teacher. I can see how people would think that; He teaches in such a way that at times seems confusing at first, even to the point of hiding the truth of His words from those to whom He teaches. But I don’t believe that He intends on keeping His disciples in the dark, not unless it concerns something that they need not know or understand. He even quotes an Old Testament passage here to explain that not every teaching would be received by all even if it wasn’t in a parable. Some would not turn in repentance even if they heard the honest truth of things.

We don’t need to know or understand everything He does, but He at least is willing to give some insight into His teachings, seeing as how He explains the meaning of the parable of the sower here for them just a few verses later. And I believe He only did so because they were willing to ask Him about it. In the same way, I believe we are able to ask God for insights into the things He has to teach us and show us, that we may understand them, and ultimately, that we might understand Him better. This isn’t to say that He will always immediately give us the answers, but we can trust that He will reveal to us what we need to know, because He is a just God who loves His people.

What’s more is that based on what He says in verse 11, we who have made the decision to follow Christ have received the secret to discerning the truth of the lessons God teaches us. For we whom He has baptized in His Holy Spirit, this has manifest itself through various spiritual gifts; for those who have perhaps not received these specific gifts, they have the option of seeking help from one who teaches, pastors, or discerns. Alternatively, we all can seek insight from God, “who gives [wisdom] generously to all without reproach.” It may yet not be immediately obvious why God does the things He does, and what He teaches us may not always make sense at first, but He is faithful to answer any and every prayer. Just not always in the way we expect Him to.

We ought not be ashamed to ask God or those whom He has placed in positions of teaching or pastorship about Scripture or about something that God seems to be trying to tell them in their daily walk. True as it may be that God may not always reveal what we want Him to reveal, we can have faith in Him because He will always respond faithfully to us. But we may not ever get an answer if we don’t step out in faith to ask Him these things.

My application for this one will be to pray for the courage and willingness to ask questions, particularly of the spiritual leaders that God has placed in my life when I do not understand something. I have a bit of insecurity when it comes to asking questions of people. I have little problem asking questions of God, but sometimes God’s response to me is to glean from the wisdom He’s given to the teachers in my life. So, prayer for the willingness to overcome that insecurity will be my prayer for the next couple of days.