June 12, 2023

Taylor Abaroa
“When he was alone, 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!’ ” Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word.”
Mark 4:10-14

When Jesus says, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you,” my ears definitely perk up. I want to know the secret. I wonder what the disciples were thinking would follow that sentence, a profound thought, a matter-of-fact statement, or maybe even a word of encouragement? Yet, in the words to come, Jesus brings understanding to the differences of the gospel (the good news) being received. It reminds me of the words in Mathew 7:7, “ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” These words instruct us to seek understanding and assure us that it will be found in Christ.

In Jesus’s everlasting wisdom, He oftentimes used stories to convey His message, words, and instructions. Stories hold power. Stories help us understand each other, relate to each other, and deeply know each other. We each have a story that is being written through our lives that is made up of many, many, many stories throughout. This week as we walk through the Parable of the Sower, I hope that it brings insight, understanding, and wisdom to you. What was the last story that you heard about God that stuck with you? Why?