Day #14

Throughout His ministry, Jesus often spoke in parables and gave sermons to thousands of people.
One particular example that I’d like to draw your attention to today is the “Parable of the Sower” which is found in Mark 4:1-20.
After He shares the parable itself, Jesus told the crowd, “whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Later on, “when He was alone, the Twelve and the others around Him” asked what this (and the parables) meant. 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…’” (Mark 4:9-12 NIV).
We see again that, “with many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when He was alone with His own disciples, He explained everything.” (Mark 4:33-34 NIV).
When I read this recently in my personal devotion time, I couldn’t help but ask myself, what determines who is on the “outside” versus the “inside”? Why didn’t Jesus explain the meaning of the parables while the crowd was still there so that everyone could know the meaning? Why were only some “chosen” to both hear and understand?
Then I realised that those who heard the explanations were those who followed Jesus and asked to understand.
Jesus didn’t leave the crowd confused because they were not chosen to understand. He left the crowd with as much wisdom as they were willing and able to take in. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear” was not a judgment to separate those who were chosen from those who were not but was an invitation.
Jesus used such an invitation frequently. He gave all of those with the ears, hearts, and minds who were willing to lean in, listen, and continue seeking the understanding He alone can offer.
The crowd walked away satisfied enough with what they heard, but the disciples and others chose to follow Christ and seek understanding.
So how does this apply to us?
The truth is, we are all chosen as God’s dearly beloved children.
The most famous verse of all time says God sent His Son so that all who believe in Him will have everlasting life. He created each one of us with plans and a purpose. He will be found by all who seek Him.
These verses prove that the question is not about “if” we are chosen or not, but “whether we will choose” to accept the invitation to follow God and seek understanding of the good plans He has already prepared for us.
Scripture Reading
Mark 4:1-20 [NIV]
John 3:16 [NIV]
Jeremiah 29:11-13 [NIV]
Reflection Prompts
Are you more likely to walk away with the crowd or be part of the few that choose to seek understanding? Why do you think that is?
In what ways could you be more diligent in accepting the invitation to seek understanding from God (as His chosen)?