MARK 4:1-34 WHY PARABLES? I noticed a change in the teaching methods of the Lord Jesus Christ when the momentum of opposition to Him and His teaching kept increasing. The Lord from here on, in His ministry, taught the multitudes of people in parables that made the people think, rather then give explanations that challenged them to act. As these common human stories were told by the Master-Teacher, those who heard would have to take time to consider their own reaction to the truth He taught. When people do not want to see with understanding, and do not want to act upon what they hear - their hearts are hardened. Rather than abandon such people forever, the Lord gave them a "candle" for light if they would use it, and a "basket" for the truth if they would be willing to fill it.
The Lord Jesus was not trying to keep people from knowing the facts of the Gospel, but was giving them a way to seek the truth of God. "Ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." There has been a lot of spurious activity in "Gospel preaching " that has deceived people and left them with the idea they are Christians. They have not understood the Word of God, the seed that has been sown. There is nothing at all wrong with the seed. The sower, the one who presents the Word of God, casts the seed on the whole variety of soil that speaks of the wide variety of hearers. The problem lies in the soil, not the seed. Some will hear the Gospel but it has no effect upon them because they are not interested in it. Others hear but have habits they want to keep along with their profession in Christ. Still others seem to start out well but their interests in life have not changed and they want God's salvation and the world too. Only one quarter of those who hear the Word of God responded in any way, and even among them, only one out of three reached the potential God had for them.
Parables, stories with a meaning and purpose behind them, make it a possible to present truth to people without forcing it on them. Those who are saved will understand why the parables are told and the message in them. Those who are seeking the Lord are given light they can act on without forcing faith or a confession of faith on them. Those who want to understand, who want to receive Christ as their Savior, who want forgiveness of sins and eternal life, are awakened by this method of teaching and can exercise personal faith in Christ alone without the demands of a persuasive instructor.
The Lord did not speak anymore to the multitudes without parables because the opposition was intimidating to those who wanted to hear the truth. The illustrated truth would be heard with interest by the seeker but would not incite them to act without conviction and confidence. The same holds true now. Opposition distracts people from the whole purpose of Gospel preaching. When one has to take time to think and consider what the truth means, then they will act in faith in Christ, not in some hurried response at the end of a Gospel meeting nor pressured into a confession of something that is not real.
I have often wondered if those who hear the Word understand - Or even if a glimmer of light reaches into the heart of man. What way should I use to speak or to illustrate a point? Is what I say made clear enough, or do those truths seem out of joint?
The way the Lord Jesus spoke was surely the way to speak. He gave great sermons when people, the kingdom of Israel, came to seek. But people heard His words all right, it just wasn't what they wanted to hear. They wanted their kingdom on earth, not the kingdom of God that was near.
The Lord used a different method of teaching to make people stop to think. A well-told story as an illustration is often better than a nod or a wink. One has to open their eyes to envision what that parable means. After consideration will realize it is different that what at first it seems.
The hearing of the ear takes place, and a person applies the truth To themselves and through understanding and conviction, find out the real worth Of their own soul and life in the eyes of a thrice Holy God - In repentance to Him and faith in Christ, they can now understand His Word.
A story is not just entertainment, but provides a window into the soul. Some light penetrates the darkness through a parable that is told. The hearer then takes stock and considers, "This truth applies to me." And the point of a doctrinal truth becomes much easier to see.
If the Lord Jesus used the story method to teach people in His day - Then I too will seek to tell some stories so people know what I say. An illustration one can understand or maybe to it can relate - By thinking about it and considering the point, it will open up a gate.
A mind can process a lot of things, but when it is called upon to act - It is necessary for the hearer to recognize and grasp the fact
That when a person comes to faith in Christ, it is not by some coercion - A personal act of faith in Christ alone, is the only way of God's salvation.
"Heavenly Father, for most of my life I have been telling stories to illustrate points of Gospel truth. I don't want to misuse or overuse this method of seeking to give light to those who hear. May I be kept by the Holy Spirit from going too far in this, and at the same time be effective in presenting Thy Gospel to lost souls that they might be saved. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."