'For Your Understanding' - Mark 4:10-11

Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.
He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, ..."


Mark 4:10-11 NLT

Key Thought​


Why would Jesus conceal his message from outsiders? First, they couldn't understand it properly. If his disciples had a hard time understanding Jesus, then how would those who didn't share their passion for the work of God ever understand it? Second, Jesus was redefining his followers' understanding of the Kingdom of God. His terms and ideas would be distorted and misused by others. Third, he was entrusting his message to them, his chosen followers, to share the message with others later in their ministry when he was gone. Not every message is appropriate to share with everyone. Certain times are more appropriate for sharing some information than other times. In addition, Jesus had to train his special messengers to share the truth before it was shared. So we ask God to give us a sense of time and message to be useful servants for his Kingdom.

Today's Prayer​


Father, please give me the wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent. I want to share your message in the proper way, at the proper time, and to the proper people. Give me the patience so that I can keep my mouth shut when silence is needed. Give me the courage to speak when the time is right to speak. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you and a blessing to others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​


Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Continue reading...
 

Similar Requests

  • Article Article
Leaving that region, [Jesus and the disciples] traveled through Galilee. Jesus didn't want anyone to know he was there, for he wanted to spend more time with his disciples and teach them. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed...
Replies
0
Views
122
  • Article Article
[Jesus replied to the disciples,] "You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: Then Jesus said to them, "If you can't understand the meaning of this parable, how will you...
Replies
0
Views
90
  • Article Article
The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door [as Jesus had said they would]. As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it...
Replies
1
Views
68
  • Article Article
[Continuing the explanation of his parable, Jesus said,] "The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing...
Replies
0
Views
90
  • Article Article
Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. —Mark 4:33 NLT Key Thought Jesus was an incredible teacher in his earthly ministry. He used common, everyday images as hooks on which to hang eternal truth. The people would see those...
Replies
0
Views
94
  1. Articles Articles:
    🙏Thank you, @Plonyne, for your agreement in prayer! Remember, Jesus said, "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19). Let's keep praying together for these needs! ❤️
  2. Articles Articles:
    🙏 🤒 Let's lift up @Animalgirl's family for healing from the flu, and @MirandaT for recovery from double vision & numbness. Pray for Rogelio & Jazz (@Anonymous) & Morenollyn's family.💔Pray for national healing & justice (@Plonyne). God hears!🎗️In Jesus' Name.
  3. Articles Articles:
    🙏 🐾 Let's lift up @Sparklee's request for their new pets to blend well into their home. Also, let's keep praying for the "Monday, February 12th, 2024 incident" as mentioned by Anonymous. And let's not forget to pray for healing. Send prayers for Miranda T's double vision and @Powers children, plus the numerous families suffering from abuse. May all prayers be in Jesus' Name.
  4. Articles Articles:
    🙏 🌟 **Prayer Updates** 🌟

    🐶 Let's lift up @Sparklee's request for peace and harmony as they rehome pets.
    👨‍👩‍👦 Pray for @Wermareth's relationship and @Animalgirl's family healing.
    ✨Pray for Anonymous's unspoken request & Max's situation via @Orad.
    🌎Pray for national healing with @Plonyne & @miranda T's healing.

    Keep praying, everyone! 🙏❤️
Your donations for running this web site are greatly appreciated.

Click To Make A Donation

Latest Blogs & Articles

Back
Top Bottom