Category Archives: Inspired Message

As anyone who has studied in school knows, sometimes it is necessary to hear a lesson more than once before a person can understand it. Our minds are not always capable of grasping the material the first time. However, there is another reason why people sometimes do not understand – it is because their hearts are hard. The message cannot penetrate because it is not what a person wants to hear, or it conflicts with what he has already concluded.

Jesus’ disciples were no exception to this. They witnessed the miracle of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish. Afterwards they witnessed Jesus walking on the surface of the Sea of Galilee to the boat in which they had embarked. Yet, Scripture records that, “…They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.” (Mark 6:51-52 NIV)

Sometime later Jesus gave His disciples another opportunity to learn the lesson. In chapter 8, verses 1 though 21 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes, “In those days, when there was a very great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to himself, and said to them, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have stayed with me now three days, and have nothing to eat. If I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come a long way.” His disciples answered him, “From where could one satisfy these people with bread here in a deserted place?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven.” He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, he broke them, and gave them to his disciples to serve, and they served the multitude. They had a few small fish. Having blessed them, he said to serve these also. They ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over. Those who had eaten were about four thousand. Then he sent them away. Immediately he entered into the boat with his disciples, and came into the region of Dalmanutha. The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, and testing him. He sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Most certainly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” He left them, and again entering into the boat, departed to the other side. They forgot to take bread; and they didn’t have more than one loaf in the boat with them. He warned them, saying, “Take heed: beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.” They reasoned with one another, saying, “It’s because we have no bread.” Jesus, perceiving it, said to them, “Why do you reason that it’s because you have no bread? Don’t you perceive yet, neither understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, don’t you see? Having ears, don’t you hear? Don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They told him, “Twelve.” “When the seven loaves fed the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They told him, “Seven.” He asked them, “Don’t you understand yet?””

Even though the disciples had already seen Jesus use a tiny amount of food to feed a multitude, they failed to understand the significance of it because of their hardened hearts. This is why, when Jesus expressed compassion for this hungry crowd, they questioned that anyone could find enough food to feed the people. The problem was that, in spite of witnessing the miracles, the disciples still did not realize or understand who Jesus was. Jesus was far more than a man who had God’s approval. In reality, as the prophet Isaiah wrote long ago, Jesus was also Immanuel, that is, “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23) Since God is the Creator, Jesus could have fed the crowd starting with nothing instead of the seven loaves and the few fish He actually used. Later, the Apostle John wrote, “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.” (John 1:10 NIV)

Since, at this point, the disciples did not recognize who Jesus really is, they could not draw the logical conclusion from the miracle He performed – that is, since Jesus is God among us, He can not only provide physical needs but He can supply our spiritual needs as well. Many years later, after he finally understood, the Apostle Peter wrote, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3 NIV)

The disciples were not the only ones who’s hardness of heart caused them to question Jesus. Some Pharisees tested Him by asking for a sign from heaven. By this they were casting doubt on the source of Jesus’ power. It was a strange request in light of what Jesus had already done. What more proof did they expect Jesus to give? At Jesus’ baptism a voice from heaven had already confirmed His identity. Jesus had already healed scores of people. He had just created food out of almost nothing and fed a huge crowd. If all these miracles were not signs from heaven, then what kind of sign would they accept? No, if the evidence they had already seen was not enough to convince them, then nothing would. Jesus was not a magician who performed tricks on command. He refused to provide a sign for people who would not believe the signs He had already given.

What about us? There are many people today who claim that they would believe Jesus if they could witness one of His miracles. Yet, they refuse to believe the testimony of the people who did witness them. If the written accounts are not enough to convince us of who Jesus is then, just like the Pharisees, we will not believe even if we saw the miracles with our own eyes. What kind of sign will it take for you to believe?

On the way back across the lake Jesus warned His disciples against the yeast of the Pharisees and of Herod. The Scriptures use yeast as a metaphor for evil or sin. Like yeast in bread-dough, sin influences others in subtle and unnoticed ways until its effects are unmistakable. By using this metaphor Jesus was waring the disciples not to fall prey to the same hypocritical skepticism the Pharisees showed when they asked for a sign from heaven. To doubt the signs already given would lead to unbelief.

The disciples did not understand Jesus’ warning. They thought He was upset because they forgot to bring bread. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of understanding. A man who can feed a crowd can surely feed a few men! They were in danger of not seeing what was before their eyes.

Many people feel uncomfortable around others who come from different backgrounds than they, especially foreigners. One reason for this attitude is lack of knowledge. We fear what we don’t know or understand and the other person’s habits and ways of thinking are unknown to us. Even worse, however, is the feeling of contempt we have for others because we think we do understand them and have concluded that we are better than they are.

The Jewish people of Jesus’ day felt this contempt for non-Jews. After all, God had given the Jews the Law of Moses. Since God had chosen them as His special people, it meant that everyone else was unchosen. To the Jews’ way of thinking, anyone who was not a Jew was “unclean”. To eat with or even associate with someone who was not a Jew would expose the person who did it to severe criticism. They had forgotten that one of God’s purposes for choosing them was that through them all mankind would eventually be reconciled to God.

Jesus did not share other Jews’ contempt for foreigners. Mark writes about one of Jesus’ encounters with non-Jews in chapter 7, verses 24 through 30 of the Gospel which bears his name, “From there he arose, and went away into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He entered into a house, and didn’t want anyone to know it, but he couldn’t escape notice. For a woman, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, having heard of him, came and fell down at his feet. Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. She begged him that he would cast the demon out of her daughter. But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” But she answered him, “Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” He said to her, “For this saying, go your way. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” She went away to her house, and found the child having been laid on the bed, with the demon gone out.”

Mark does not tell us why Jesus left Israel and traveled to the vicinity of Tyre, which is located in the country we know today as Lebanon. However, he wrote earlier that Jesus and His disciples were so busy that they did not even have time to eat. It is likely that Jesus left Israel in order to get some rest and this is why He did not want anyone to know where He was.

If Jesus’ intention was to get away from people in order to rest, He was not entirely successful. A woman found out about His presence and begged Jesus to heal her daughter. Mark says that she was a Greek – a term the Jews used to indicate someone who was not of Jewish ancestry. Matthew records that she was actually a Canaanite. It is interesting that in spite of being a foreigner, she knew more about Jesus than many Jews did. According to Matthew’s account she called Jesus the Son of David, that is, the rightful heir to King David’s throne. She also accepted Jesus as Lord.

Jesus replied to the woman’s request with a proverb, “It’s not right to take food away from your children to feed their pets.” It is true that Jesus came into the world to reconcile all people to God, whether they are Jew or Gentile. However, it was necessary for His saving work to begin with the Jews. As He said another time, “…salvation is from the Jews.” (John 4:22 NIV) This is why Jesus said it wasn’t appropriate for Him to grant the woman’s request.

Many people would have been offended by Jesus’ reply. “He may be a prophet, but He called me a dog!” However, this lady had a sense of humor as well great faith. Instead of becoming insulted, she pointed out that even dogs have some rights. As a result of her wise answer, Jesus healed her daughter. What about us? When we ask for help do we try to force Christ to give it on our own terms? Do we become offended, or are we grateful for Christ’s willingness to help?

The vicinity of Tyre was not the only foreign area Jesus visited. Mark continues his account in verses 31 through 37, “Again he departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and came to the sea of Galilee, through the middle of the region of Decapolis. They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech. They begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him aside from the multitude, privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue. Looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke clearly. He commanded them that they should tell no one, but the more he commanded them, so much the more widely they proclaimed it. They were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!””

The place where this miracle took place is the Decapolis. This is a Greek word meaning “ten cities.” These ten cities were founded and built by the Greeks in the country we know as Jordan. We do not know whether the man Jesus healed was a foreigner or not. One thing we do know is that Jesus healed him because people begged Him to do so. It is significant that they did not ask Jesus for something to benefit themselves but to help someone else. Perhaps one reason we do not see more of God’s work in our lives is because we do not ask and we do not ask with the right motives. James writes, “…You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:2-3 NIV)

We see the love and compassion of Jesus in how He performed this miracle. First, He took the man aside by himself. Because of his infirmity the man, no doubt, had already experienced mockery and suffered from people who wanted to take advantage of him. Jesus purpose was to help the man, not make him a further spectacle.

Secondly, Jesus did not act without the man’s permission. Since the man was deaf and could hardly talk, he would have had trouble communicating and understanding what Jesus was about to do. So, Jesus acted it out before healing him. Jesus touched the man’s ears and tongue and went through the motions of prayer. The man indicated his consent and his faith by allowing Jesus to touch him and not drawing back. A single word from Jesus was enough to heal him.

This miracle amazed the crowd and they kept talking about it even though Jesus asked them not to.

Many religions and systems of belief contradict each other. However, one thing about which most religions agree is the need for cleansing. God is pure and we who are impure cannot worship Him or come into His presence unless we have been cleansed. The question is what makes a person “clean” or “unclean”? An even more important question is who determines whether a person is “unclean” or not. Do we decide on the basis of tradition, or is there another standard?

These questions brought Jesus into conflict with the religious leaders of His day. In chapter 7, verses 1 through 13 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes, “Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes gathered together to him, having come from Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of his disciples eating bread with defiled, that is unwashed, hands, they found fault. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews don’t eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders. They don’t eat when they come from the marketplace unless they bathe themselves, and there are many other things, which they have received to hold to: washings of cups, pitchers, bronze vessels, and couches.) The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why don’t your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?” He answered them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ “For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of men—the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.” He said to them, “Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother;’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban,”’” that is to say, given to God, “then you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother, making void the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down. You do many things like this.””

Mark does not tell us why the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law traveled from Jerusalem to observe what Jesus was doing. However, as religious leaders they had a responsibility to guard people against heretical teaching. If their purpose was to evaluate whether Jesus’ teaching was true and correct, what they observed distressed them. How could Jesus’ teaching promote purity when His disciples neglected what the tradition of the elders said was necessary for purity?

Jesus turned the tables on the religious leaders by pointing out that they gave a higher priority to their own traditions than to what God said. To make His point, Jesus quoted two portions of the Law God gave through Moses which make it very clear that people are to honor their parents. In spite of this clear teaching, the religious leaders promoted a tradition which excused people from providing for their parents in their old age. The implication of Jesus’ statement is clear: How could the religious leaders claim that they were serving and making sacrifices to God when they were disobeying what God said? They were hypocrites.

The same problem still exists today. There are many people who claim to worship and serve God. They spend their lives in religious activity. Yet, the truth is that they will not obey what God has clearly said in the Scriptures. We need to ask ourselves whether we obey God’s instructions or whether we follow the traditions of men.

Jesus then addressed the issue of purity which the religious leaders raised. In verses 14 through 23, Mark writes, “He called all the multitude to himself, and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. There is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, “Are you also without understanding? Don’t you perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside can’t defile him, because it doesn’t go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, making all foods clean?” He said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.””

Contrary to what many people teach Jesus pointed out that it is not what goes into our physical body, but what is in our heart which indicates our spiritual condition. It is true that in the Law of Moses, God forbade the Jewish people from eating certain foods. However, it is very possible for someone to refrain from eating those foods yet be impure. Outward conformity to God’s law is of little value if we are not pure on the inside. Another time Jesus said, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. (Matthew 23:25-26 NIV)

Since it is the things in our heart, not what we eat which makes us “unclean” we can draw the conclusion that no food, in itself, is “unclean”. Whether we eat or refrain from eating does not make us “clean”. Rather, it is our spiritual condition which prompts us to obey what God said about eating or not eating. This is why Mark comments that Jesus declared all foods “clean”.

Like the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, many people have the idea that a person becomes “unclean” from what he does. However, Jesus pointed out that evil actions result from the evil which resides in a person’s heart. It follows that it is not the action which makes someone “unclean” but the inner evil which prompted the action. Nor is action the only symptom or result of inner evil. It is possible for a person to refrain from evil action, yet still be guilty of evil thoughts and desires. In either case, whether we commit an evil act or only think evil thoughts, it is still an expression of evil and it is that inner evil which makes us impure and “unclean.” On another occasion Jesus gave an illustration of this. He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28 NIV)

What about us? Is our righteousness merely outward, or are we clean on the inside?

Everyone needs to rest on occasion. Even God rested after He created the universe. In the Gospel account which bears his name, Mark tells us what happened one time when Jesus wanted some rest. In chapter 6, verses 30 through 32 he writes, “The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught.
He said to them, “You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.”

There were several reasons why Jesus wanted to get away and rest. His disciples were weary after an extensive preaching tour. Also, it was around this time that Jesus received the news that Herod had murdered Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. No doubt Jesus wanted some time away from the crowds to grieve. A third reason to seek quiet was that the pressure of ministry was so great that Jesus and His disciples didn’t even have time to eat. Their desire to spend some time by themselves, resting, was not to be. In verses 33 through 34 John writes, “They saw them going, and many recognized him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to him. Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.”

It is a measure of Jesus’ greatness that instead of becoming irritated that the crowds would not leave Him alone, He had compassion on them. Are we willing to follow His example and put the needs of others ahead of our own?

Mark continues the story in verses 35 trhough 44, “When it was late in the day, his disciples came to him, and said, “This place is deserted, and it is late in the day. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give them something to eat?” He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go see.” When they knew, they said, “Five, and two fish.” He commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass. They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all. They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish. Those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.”

Were the disciples truly concerned about the needs of the people, or were they merely playing on Jesus’ compassion in order to get rid of the crowd and get some badly needed rest? If they were using the hunger of the people to manipulate Jesus into dismissing the crowd, Jesus turned the tables. “If you are so concerned about the people why don’t you feed them?” The disciples were incredulous. How could they possibly afford to feed so many? However, at Jesus’ insistence, they finally produced 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. Though this was only a tiny amount of food in comparison to the need, Jesus still gave thanks for it. Are we grateful for what we have, even though it is little? Even a little is sufficient for Jesus. If we are willing to give what we have to Him, He is able to transform it into more than enough. The crowd not only had enough to satisfy their hunger, there was enough food left over to fill 12 baskets.

The disciples wanted Jesus to dismiss the crowd. However, right after feeding the people Jesus dismissed the disciples. In verses 45 through 52 John writes, “Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat, and go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the multitude away. After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. When evening had come, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he was alone on the land. Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and he would have passed by them, but they, when they saw him walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him, and were troubled. But he immediately spoke with them, and said to them, “Cheer up! I AM! Don’t be afraid.” He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled; for they hadn’t understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.”

Why did Jesus insist that His disciples leave? From another account of this incident we know that the crowd wished to make Jesus their king. We also know that the disciples expected to receive places of honor in the Kingdom of God. It is very possible that Jesus stranded them in the middle of the lake so they would not join the crowd in trying to place a crown on Jesus’ head. When we are stuck in an impossible situation, unable to make progress, perhaps God is doing it for our good – removing us from temptation we are not equipped to withstand.

It is significant that when Jesus approached the boat, walking on the water, He identified Himself by saying, “I AM.” Every Jew would have immediately recognized what Jesus was saying because this is the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush. Because Jesus is the “I AM” if we belong to Him there is no reason to fear any circumstance. He is in control – even of the wind and waves which threaten to destroy us.

Even though the disciples witnessed Jesus’ miracles of feeding the 5,000, walking on the water and calming the wind, they still did not understand. Another account says that after the disciples took Jesus into the boat they worshiped Him, yet Mark writes that their hearts were hardened. It is possible to worship without accepting. Do we worship God out of fear or from the heart?

There was no rest for Jesus on His return. In verses 53 through 56 Mark writes, “When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick on their mats to where they heard he was. Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.”

Jesus’ teaching and the miracles He performed were a source of controversy. People were divided about where His power came from. They were confused about who Jesus was. The common people were not the only ones who were confused. There was a king who had a special reason to wonder who Jesus might be – and to fear. In chapter 6, verses 14 through 29 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes, “King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, “John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, “He is a prophet, or like one of the prophets.” But Herod, when he heard this, said, “This is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead.” For Herod himself had sent out and arrested John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for he had married her. For John said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias set herself against him, and desired to kill him, but she couldn’t, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly. Then a convenient day came, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the young lady, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” He swore to her, “Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” She went out, and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” She said, “The head of John the Baptizer.” She came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.” The king was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of his oaths, and of his dinner guests, he didn’t wish to refuse her. Immediately the king sent out a soldier of his guard, and commanded to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the young lady; and the young lady gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard this, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.”

This Herod was the son of the Herod who murdered the children of Bethlehem shortly after Jesus’ birth. He followed his father’s example by dealing unfaithfully with his wife and, then, murdering the innocent. However, there is always a price to pay for sin. Many evil doers live in fear of retribution. When Herod heard about Jesus’ miracles he wondered whether John the Baptist had come back from the dead to haunt him.

It is unlikely that Herod would have bothered John the Baptist if John had not denounced Herod’s marriage to his own niece and sister-in-law. To marry a brother’s wife while he was still living was a clear violation of the Law of Moses. Leviticus 20:21 says, “If a man marries his brother’s wife, it is an act of impurity; he has dishonored his brother…” (NIV)

From this we learn that even kings and high officials are not exempt from living according to God’s standards. In fact, Scripture teaches that it is the responsibility of leaders to set an example of godly living.

Another thing we learn is that we have the responsibility to speak the truth regardless of the status of the other person. Leviticus 19:15 says, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.” (NIV) Sometimes speaking the truth results in trouble. It cost John his freedom. The question is whether we are willing to pay the price for proclaiming righteousness.

Even though Herod imprisoned John, he still protected him from the rage of Herodias – the woman he had unlawfully married. Herod did this because he knew John was a righteous man and feared him. It is worth noting that wicked people fear the righteous, but the righteous have no need to fear the wicked. Later, the Apostle Paul was to write, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39 NIV)

It is also interesting to note that though Herod liked to listen to John, the things he heard from John puzzled him. He could not understand them. It is always this way with those live for pleasure rather than seek the things of God. Scripture says, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)

The opportunity for revenge came at Herod’s birthday party. Herod was so pleased by Herodias’ daughter’s dance that Herod vowed to give the girl anything she wanted up to half the kingdom. It seems incredible that a ruler would be so foolish as to vow such a thing. However, those who will not be governed by God’s standards often are governed by their own sensualism.

When the girl asked her mother what she should ask for, Herodias told her to ask for John the Baptist’s head. It seems incredible that a young woman would be so callous and unfeeling that she would agree. However, there is no indication that the girl even hesitated. In fact, she even treated it as a joke. She demanded John’s head on a platter – as if it were another delicacy to be served to the guests at the feast. What about us? Do we value human life – or do we find amusement in the death of others?

It would have been easy for Herod to refuse. He could have pointed out that John’s head was worth far more than half his kingdom. But even though he was distressed, Herod gave the order. He did not wish to look foolish in front of his dinner guests. And so, he added to his guilt by committing a crime against and innocent man in order not to lose face. How often do we allow our pride to drive us to do foolish or ungodly things?

We tend to dismiss advice and calls to righteousness from “our own.” Our attitude is, “Who are you to tell me what to do?” It is far easier to accept instruction from someone on the outside than it is from someone we know.

Jesus ran into this phenomenon when He visited the village where He lived as a child. In chapter 6, verses 1 through 6 of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark writes, “He went out from there. He came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such mighty works come about by his hands? Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” So they were offended at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.” He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people, and healed them. He marveled because of their unbelief. He went around the villages teaching.”

It is worth observing that very few people remained indifferent to Jesus. Few could encounter Him and remain unchanged. Some became His followers. Others rejected His teaching and became His enemies. At first, the people of Jesus’ home town of Nazareth were amazed. Their amazement turned into incredulity and disbelief. Then, they took offense at Him.

What was the basis for their amazement and offense? We can infer the reasons from the questions they asked. “Where did this man get these things?” This implies that the people of Nazareth thought Jesus was putting on airs and pretending to be something more than He really was. They may also have felt that Jesus was trying to say that He was better than everyone else.

“What is the wisdom that is given to this man …?” Not only did the people question Jesus’ motives, they questioned the source of His wisdom. They could not deny that Jesus had the power to perform miracles, but they doubted whether this power came from God.

“Isn’t this the carpenter…?” In other words they were saying that, surely, God would not select a working man to be His prophet! This not only shows contempt for manual labor, it also shows the ignorance of the people regarding their own history. The truth is that God has often chosen working men to speak to His people. Gideon was a farmer before God delivered the nation of Israel from its oppressors through him. King David was a shepherd before God chose him to lead the nation. Amos tended fig trees before God called him to become a prophet. Even today many look down on those who work with their hands as if they were less worthy or less important in God’s sight. However, this attitude has no place among the followers of Christ. Whatever our occupation, it is a high calling as long as we are serving the Lord. The Apostle Paul writes, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” (Colossians 3:23 NIV)

“Isn’t this Mary’s son…?” In the Jewish culture this was an insult because people identified one another by their father’s name, not their mother’s. By using His mother’s name the people were implying that Jesus was illegitimate. It is true that Jesus did not have a physical father – he was born through the power of the Holy Spirit while His mother was still a virgin. Perhaps the people of Nazareth were ignorant of this or did not believe it. In any case, the people of Nazareth condemned Jesus for what they thought his parents had done rather than judging Him by His own character and actions.

“Aren’t his brothers and sisters here with us?” By asking this the people of Nazareth were saying that Jesus could not be extra-ordinary because He came from an ordinary family. As the saying is, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” In response, Jesus pointed out that it is outsiders who honor prophets – not their own relatives and neighbors.

Because of the lack of faith and the ill-will of the people whom He had grown up with, Jesus could not do much for them. We like to think of Jesus as being all-powerful – that He could do anything. But there were some things He could not do. One of them was to help people against their will. Their unbelief kept them from experiencing God’s power. That being the case, Jesus had no alternative but to leave Nazareth and teach and minister in other villages.

Jesus not only served, He taught His disciples to serve as well. In verses 7 through 13 Mark writes, “He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse, but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there. Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” They went out and preached that people should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.”

In this incident Jesus provides a model for effective leadership. 1) Jesus did not ask the disciples to do something which He, Himself, was not willing to do. The disciples had already witnessed Jesus’ example of service many times. 2) Jesus gave them clear instructions. There could be no question about what He wanted the disciples to do or what they were to preach. The message was the same as John the Baptist and Jesus, Himself, preached – that people should repent. 3) Jesus gave the disciples the authority and ability to carry out His instructions. 4) Jesus gave the disciples the support they needed. He sent them out in pairs – no doubt so they could encourage and help each other. Going in pairs also satisfied the provision in the Law of Moses that facts should be established by two or three witnesses. 5) Jesus trusted the disciples to do the task – He did not accompany them. Further, the disciples also had to have trust and confidence that their needs would be supplied.

As a result of this careful preparation, the disciples had great success in preaching, driving out demons and healing people.

People come from many different backgrounds, societies and cultures. However, no matter who we are, we all have something in common. Someday, all of us will die. As King Solomon wrote, “All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:2 NIV)

People fear death and do their best to prolong their lives. Yet, in spite of all their efforts they still die. One of the most conclusive proofs that Jesus had divine power was His ability to raise people from the dead.

The people on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee asked Jesus to leave after He healed a demon-possessed man. In verses 21 through 43 of chapter 5 in the Gospel which bears his name, Mark tells us what happened next. “When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to him; and he was by the sea. Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, and begged him much, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, that she may be made healthy, and live.” He went with him, and a great multitude followed him, and they pressed upon him on all sides. A certain woman, who had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse, having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind him in the crowd, and touched his clothes. For she said, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well.” Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Immediately Jesus, perceiving in himself that the power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd, and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” His disciples said to him, “You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, ‘Who touched me?’” He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.” While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?” But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. He came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing. When he had entered in, he said to them, “Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep.” They ridiculed him. But he, having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went in where the child was lying. Taking the child by the hand, he said to her, “Talitha cumi!” which means, being interpreted, “Girl, I tell you, get up!” Immediately the girl rose up and walked, for she was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to her to eat.”

The most serious opposition Jesus faced came from religious leaders. We do not know whether Jairus was among those who protested on a previous occasion when Jesus healed a man in the synagogue on the Sabbath day. Whether he was or not, when his own daughter became ill, Jairus begged Jesus to heal her. No doubt, Jairus had already done everything in his power to help his daughter – but without success. From this we learn that in spite of their opposition to Him the religious authorities knew that the miracles Jesus performed were genuine. Jairus was willing to risk his own reputation and his standing with the other religious authorities by asking Jesus to heal his daughter. This incident also shows Jesus’ compassion. No matter who asked, Jesus was willing to help.

There was another person who, like Jairus, had nowhere else to turn but Jesus. She had already spent all her resources in search of healing to no avail. While Jairus approached Jesus openly, this woman did so secretly. While she hoped for much, she also had much more to lose. Jairus merely risked his reputation and his standing among his fellow leaders. What the woman did was against the law. The Law of Moses clearly states that a woman who has a hemorrhage is unclean. She should not have been in the crowd and she certainly should not have touched anyone.

Instead of rebuking the woman for endangering those around her, Jesus commended her for her faith. It was her faith which enabled her to receive Jesus’ healing power. It is interesting to note that Jesus’ disciples did not understand the connection between faith and healing. They pointed out that many people in the crowd had bumped into Jesus. Why was He trying to single out only one person? The difference was this: None of the others reached out to Jesus in faith. The woman did, and was healed.

Jairus also demonstrated unusual faith. Instead of giving up all hope when he was told that his daughter had died, Jairus brought Jesus to his home.

At Jairus’ home Jesus met another group of people who did not understand or believe. The professional mourners who had gathered laughed at Jesus when He assured them that the girl was not dead. They knew she was dead – who was Jesus to tell them otherwise? Fortunately, Jairus did not allow their unbelief and ridicule to deter him from doing what Jesus asked. As a result Jesus raised his daughter from the dead and restored her to her parents.

What can we learn from these incidents? Perhaps one reason we do see more of God’s power at work in our lives is because we do not believe as we should. Perhaps we are unwilling to risk the disapproval of others in order to reach out to Jesus so we may be healed and have peace. More importantly, Scripture assures us that Jesus holds power over death itself. Just as He raised Jairus’ daughter, He can raise us from the dead and give us eternal life. Do we believe it, or do we laugh and mock as the mourners did? Are we willing to allow Him to restore us to our Heavenly Father as He restored the girl to her parents?

There is a saying that, “Talk is cheap.” What we mean by it is that it is very easy to say something but it is another matter entirely to actually do what we claim. People make empty boasts all the time. Unfortunately, this is true even in regard to spiritual things. People claim to be from, or to speak on behalf of, God. The question is whether their actions demonstrate this is true. For example, the Apostle Paul wrote, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,” (1 Corinthians 2:4 NIV)

Jesus claimed that He came from God. He said that the words He spoke were given to Him by God. How do we know this is true? Jesus performed miracles to substantiate His message. He healed many sick people. He stilled a storm with a word. Even more significantly, we know Jesus came from God because He had power over evil spiritual forces.

In the first 20 verses of chapter 5, in the Gospel which bears his name Mark writes, “They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. When he had come out of the boat, immediately a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the tombs. He lived in the tombs. Nobody could bind him any more, not even with chains, because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him. Always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out, and cutting himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and bowed down to him, and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don’t torment me.” For he said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” He asked him, “What is your name?” He said to him, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” He begged him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now on the mountainside there was a great herd of pigs feeding. All the demons begged him, saying, “Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them.” At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea. Those who fed the pigs fled, and told it in the city and in the country. The people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who saw it declared to them what happened to him who was possessed by demons, and about the pigs. They began to beg him to depart from their region. As he was entering into the boat, he who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. He didn’t allow him, but said to him, “Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.” He went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled.”

The region of the Gadarenes (or Gerasenes), on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, at one time belonged to the ancient kingdom of Israel. At the time Jesus lived, most of the inhabitants were non-Jewish. The area is also called the Decapolis (the ten cities) because of the ten Greek cities which had been founded there. We know that Greek influence was very strong because of the large herds of pigs which were nearby. According to the Law of Moses, pigs were unclean animals, and the Jews shunned them. By Jesus’ going to this region we get a hint that He did not come to serve only the Jewish people. Eventually, He would give His life for all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

As soon as Jesus landed a demon-possessed man accosted Him. This man had super-human strength and was uncontrollable. He was also an outcast. The only place left for him to live was among the cave-like tombs carved into the hillsides. Not only had society rejected him, he had rejected the standards of society – he roamed about naked, crying out and cutting himself.

Though no one could control or subdue him, in Jesus he recognized One who had the authority to command. It is interesting to note that the demons often had a better understanding of who Jesus was than God’s chosen people, the Jews. This man, or the demons inside him, called Jesus the “Son of the Most High God.” Many people are deeply offended by the title “Son of God.” Most of those who take offense do not understand what the title means. They are thinking in physical terms while the title expresses a spiritual reality. The Bible uses the word “Son” to indicate relationship. In speaking of Jesus it says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV) To put it another way, Jesus is the manifestation of God in human form. An earthly son resembles his father. Since Jesus shares God’s nature and is the image of God it is appropriate to call Him the Son of God.

The demons within this man begged Jesus not to torture them or send them out of the area. From this we learn the inconsistency of evil. The spiritual beings who torture others do not, themselves, wish to be tortured. More importantly, these beings recognized Jesus’ power over them. They had no choice but to obey. Scripture tells us that, ultimately, Jesus will use His authority to judge everyone. The devil and the unrighteous will be thrown into the fires of hell.

It is worth remembering that when Jesus gave the demons permission to enter the pigs, the demons sent the pigs to their destruction. Not only did they destroy the pigs, this was a huge loss to their owners. The devil lures people by promising them pleasure, wealth or power. However, the end result of listening to satanic powers is always destruction. As the Scripture says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)

When the people of the area came to investigate what happened, they found the demon-possessed man clothed and in his right mind. Jesus did for him what no one else could do. It is the same today – no one can heal us from our spiritual diseases except Jesus. He said, “…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)

Instead of rejoicing that Jesus had given the man new life, the people feared and begged Jesus to leave. What is our response to Jesus? Are we like the people of the Decapolis who asked Jesus to leave, or are we like the healed man who, at Jesus’ request, went about telling everyone what Jesus had done for him?

People like to listen to stories. Stories speak to our emotions and well as to our minds. Also, it is often easier to remember a story than a set of facts. Because of this skillful teachers use stories in order to make the truths they present easy to remember. They will also use ordinary things to illustrate complex concepts. Jesus was a master teller of stories. He used parables, sayings and illustrations to make His teaching easy for His followers to remember and understand. At the same time, Jesus used parables and stories to conceal the meaning of His teaching from those who opposed Him.

In the Gospel which bears his name, Mark records some of the illustrations Jesus used. “He said to them, He said to them, “Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand? For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light. If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.”” (Mark 4:21-25)

What Jesus said seems so obvious that it is easy to dismiss it – lamps are meant to illuminate. We do not conceal them so that they cannot light up their surroundings. It is more difficult to understand the profound truth to which Jesus was pointing. Some think that Jesus was referring to His own teaching. It was not meant to be hidden or obscured. It would be brought out into the open and it would illuminate the world. While this is possible, it is more likely that Jesus was referring to Himself. At the present His identity was obscured or hidden. However, one day, His radiant glory would be revealed to all. On another occasion He said, “…I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)

Jesus then gave a caution. We need to carefully evaluate what we hear. Those who are receptive to Jesus and His message will understand even more than before. Those who treat Him and His message with indifference or hostility will lose even the little understanding they have.

Mark provides us with another example of Jesus’ teaching, “He (that is Jesus) said, “God’s Kingdom is as if a man should cast seed on the earth, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, though he doesn’t know how. For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the fruit is ripe, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”” (Mark 4:26-29)

Though this parable is very short, it illustrates several profound truths. One of these truths is that in the Kingdom of God there is work for everyone to do. God accomplishes His purpose through people. In the parable the seed did not plant itself. In the same way it is people who further the God’s kingdom. Some people have the mistaken idea that it only church leaders or those whom we pay who should do the work. However, there is a role for each follower of Christ. The Apostle Paul writes, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

There are others who have the attitude that it is only through their efforts that God’s kingdom grows or makes progress. They have an unrealistic view of their own importance. The parable teaches that, in reality, it is God – not us – who makes the seed grow. Once it is planted it will grow regardless of what we do. In speaking of his own work to spread Jesus’ teaching the Apostle Paul wrote, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NIV)

Another truth is that we cannot harvest a crop without first planting. In another parable Jesus likened God’s Word to seed. If we sense a lack of growth in ourselves; if our lives do not exhibit the fruit of righteousness, is it possible that we have not allowed God’s Word to take root in us?

“He (that is Jesus said, “How will we liken God’s Kingdom? Or with what parable will we illustrate it? It’s like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth, yet when it is sown, grows up, and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. Without a parable he didn’t speak to them; but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.” (Mark 4:30-34)

The point of this parable Jesus told is that something might seem insignificant, yet produce great results. A mustard seed is tiny, yet when full-grown it reaches a height of 3 meters. In the same way, from a human point of view the Kingdom of God often looks weak and insignificant. Yet, from humble beginnings it grows strong and powerful. Jesus, Himself, was born in a stable, to a poor family, yet His life and ministry have revolutionized the world. We may regard ourselves as insignificant. Yet, if we are part of God’s kingdom, our life has great meaning and purpose.

Jesus not only taught in parables, He demonstrated that He is more than a teacher. Mark writes, “On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.”
Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him. A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled. He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?” He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”” (Mark 4:35-41)

Just like the disciples, each one of us must answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” Do we consider Him only a gifted teacher, or do we realize that He is much more than that? Like the disciples do we fear and lack faith that Jesus can save us when the storms of life strike?

There is an art to communication. It is not always easy to present information in a way that others can readily grasp and understand it. The best speakers and teachers use illustrations and tell stories to make the concepts they present both memorable and easy to understand. In addition to being a prophet and a miracle worker, Jesus was a master communicator. He had a way of presenting spiritual truths in an unforgettable way.

In the fourth chapter of the Gospel which bears his name, Mark records one of parables Jesus used. Verses 1 through 12 read, “Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea, and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea. He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching, “Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow, and as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it. Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil. When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some produced thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much.” He said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.” When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. He said to them, “To you is given the mystery of God’s Kingdom, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables, that ‘seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.’””

One of the things which made Jesus’ speaking effective is that He used ordinary things – things with which people were already familiar – to illustrate the spiritual points He made. His audience came from a mostly rural society. They were very familiar with sowing seed and the problems farmers faced in growing crops. Even 2,000 years later people who come from a different culture and live in large cities can still readily picture the scene. After hearing this parable, who could possibly look at farming or sowing seed in the same way again? Even those who are unfamiliar with farming can easily grasp the point.

Though in one respect the story Jesus told is easy to visualize and understand, on another level it is not so easy to comprehend. On the surface, the parable seems artless. Jesus said things which are so self-evident and obvious that there seems no need to state them. Why then did He use this illustration? What was His purpose? His disciples were confused about His method of teaching and asked Him about it.

Jesus’ reply discloses a two-fold reason for His use of parables in teaching. On the one hand, Jesus used parables to disclose the secrets of the kingdom of God to His disciples. Though the parables seem simple and artless, they actually contain profound truths. By meditating on them we can understand what God is doing.

On the other hand, Jesus used parables in His teaching to hide the truth from His enemies. In Chapter 3, verse 6, Mark writes that the religious authorities were plotting to kill Jesus. They were looking for a way to trap Jesus with what He said. But how could they accuse Him of blasphemy or speaking against the government for telling a simple story about a man planting his field? In many cases Jesus’ enemies did not even understand what the parables meant. The Apostle Paul writes, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)

Jesus explained His policy of using parables by quoting words which God spoke through the prophet Isaiah. In light of this it might seem that Jesus deliberately used parables to make it impossible for people to repent and become reconciled to God. But this is not so. In Isaiah’s day people heard the truth but would not accept it. As a result their hearts became hard – that is even less capable of recognizing and accepting the truth. Their rejection of truth prevented their spiritual healing. In the same way, the religious leaders had already rejected Jesus. It was their hardness of heart resulting from their rejection which prevented them from understanding the parables. And, their lack of understanding kept them from repentance. It was not the parables, but their rejection and hardness of heart which prevented them from obtaining forgiveness.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t only the religious leaders who sometimes had trouble understanding Jesus. His own disciples needed an explanation. In verses 13 through 20 Mark writes, “He said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables? The farmer sows the word. The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them. These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble. Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word, and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times.””

The point of Jesus’ story is that He provides the word of God equally to all. Everyone has the opportunity to hear. However, the result of hearing God’s word is not the same. It depends on the kind of person who hears it. It is the hearer’s responsibility to put God’s word into practice. Some, like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, have hard hearts which do not allow God’s word to penetrate and take effect. Others gladly accept the word, but they have no depth. They do not allow the word to produce spiritual growth in them. Still others give other things a higher priority so the word of God gets crowded out. However, there are others who allow the word to grow in them and produce change. At the time Jesus lived, farmers could only expect seeds to provide about a 5 fold increase. What is impossible with man, however, is normal with God. If we allow His word to work in us, we will experience a return far greater than we can imagine. The question is: What kind of soil are we? Do we allow God’s word take root and grow in us?