The Way of Parables, Part 1

Mark 4:1-20 God works through very ordinary means to achieve his extraordinary purposes. The parable was a very familiar manner of teaching among rabbis during Jesus’ time. Through today’s parable, Jesus gives his disciples, those who have ears to hear, a hearing test designed to elicit a response in their lives. While exposing unbelief among outsiders, he encourages his followers with the assurance that, although there will be obstacles in their lives, he gives them the process of discipleship, repentance and faith to preserve them.