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Why would Jesus not make his meaning clear to those on the outside?

Why did only the insiders get the detailed explanation?

Mark 4:11 - 13

ESV - 11 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. 12 So that "they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.

Clarify Share Report Asked February 18 2021 Mini Grant Abbott Supporter

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Data Danny Hickman Supporter Believer in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ
He didn't make it understandable to "those outside" because He didn't want them to understand from a distance. He wants us/them to come to Him PERSONALLY. 

At that time Jesus declared, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was Your gracious will. All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" (Mt 11:25-27). 
Then, (here it is) : Mt 11:28, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give You rest." A personal invitation by the Son of God. Hallelujah!

Who are the children to whom Jesus said the hidden things had been revealed? They are the followers whom the Father had given Him, His inner circle disciples and the others. They/We are called children because we are born of God, and are like newborns set to be raised in the faith by a doting Father.
He prayed for them/us and thanked God for us in John 17. 

No one can come to Jesus unless the Father who sent Him draws that person to Jesus (John 6:44). No one comes to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6). And why is it this way? It gives the association of the newborn in Christ a special touch, a personal accord with the Son of God and His Father. God isn't hiding Himself from anyone, He's giving special attention to the relationship. He wants all who are redeemed by Him to know and understand that, by grace are we saved through faith; and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, not a result of anything we've done, so that none can boast (Eph 2:8,9). It is for God's purpose and glory.

We know all of this and it still bypasses our comprehension. The "Sower of the seed" parable is often fumbled by well meaning teachers and students. They read where there's only one "good soil" of the four soils on which the seed fell, and start to imagine themselves as being good enough "soil" to germinate seed, able to get an understanding of the word, and produce multiple folds of fruit. 
That wasn't the intended meaning, but that's often the understanding gained by the listeners who have been enlightened. "Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you" (Mk 4:24). The Lord does it all, and He does it for us. 

Oh Lord, our Lord, 
How majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. Psalm 8:1,2

To "still the enemy" means to shut his mouth. He uses the weak and lowly to do it.

May 03 2021 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


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