We delete and block spam text messages because we don’t know the sender. Some people block the meaning of Jesus’ parables because they don’t know and believe in him as the Storyteller.

Notes and Next Steps
Mark 4:9-12 +  Part 4 of the series "The Parables of Jesus: What's Your Story?"

The Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables, so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’” (Mark 4:10-12)

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God … (Revelation 7:9-12)

Jesus’ parables reveal the secret of salvation to believers, and they conceal the secret of salvation to unbelievers.

“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (Mark 4:9)

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

“These are three new insights or things I appreciate about Jesus’ parables. It’s my homework to share them with someone, and I thought of you.” Text it to, or talk to, a friend who needs Jesus.

Discussion Questions

1. “These are three new insights or things I appreciate about Jesus’ parables. It’s my homework to share them with someone, and I thought of you.” Text it to, or talk to, a friend who needs Jesus.
2. Search online for “Is Psalm 83 predicting events in Gaza and Israel Chad Bird” and watch the YouTube video (it’s 3:38 long). Add Chad Bird as someone you follow for biblical content.
3. Looking at a solar eclipse with just your physical eyes, that’s bad. Looking for Jesus’ kingdom just as a physical kingdom, that’s bad too. What’s the spiritual harm? How should we understand God’s kingdom and its coming? Read and apply Luke 17:20-25 and Revelation 7:9-12.
4. Search online for “Why Jesus told parables The Bible Project.” Watch the video (it’s 5:42 long). Do you agree with everything? Discuss these questions: What is the surprise of God’s kingdom? Why is God’s kingdom upside down? How is Jesus like the prophets? What is the greatest surprise about God’s kingdom?