Mark wrote concerning Jesus, “when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable”, and in chapter four and verse eleven of his book, Mark shares how Jesus said to the disciples,“unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God” where we read:
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:
but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
The verse reads, “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God:” Mark began with the words, “and he said unto them” or “and Jesus uttered, declared and proclaimed to His twelve disciples”, “unto you it is given to know” which means “to the twelve disciples it is granted, bestowed, furnished and supplied to learn about, understand, perceive and become acquainted with” “the mystery” or “the hidden purpose or secret and not obvious to the understanding” “of the kingdom of God” which means “belonging to the royal power, kingship, rule, reign and dominion of the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Mark shared how Jesus said the disciples were granted the privilege of learning the “secret things” concerning God's Kingdom.
The verse continues, “but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:” Mark added the words “but unto them” which means “nevertheless, moreover and to people whether male or female” “that are without” or “who are away, strange and outward”, “all these things are done” which means “each, every, the whole and everything happens, is brought forth and appears” “in parables” or “in the earthly story that has a heavenly meanings”. Mark shared how Jesus said people who are “outside” or “strange” to the principles of the Kingdom of God only receive “parables” to understand it.
When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how there is a distinct advantage to becoming Jesus' disciple. Many of Jesus' teachings do not make sense to the “natural man” because they have not be given the ability to understand them. Paul the apostle wrote, “But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (See 1 Corinthians 2:14) God grants every person the opportunity to know Him through His Son Jesus, and by “believing and trusting” in Him, not only will they begin to understand Jesus' teaching, but they also shall receive “everlasting life” with God to forever learn of Him.
Next time Mark shares how Jesus added, “that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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