We have often witnessed the spectacle of hundreds leaving their seats during an evangelistic campaign. We are familiar hearing the old traditional hymn “Just as I Am” being played and people approach the designated area. They repeat a few words uttered by the evangelist and are “saved”. Many believe this is indeed the method taught by Christ. Is this your belief? Did Jesus Christ come to the earth to save the entire world during his time and the present? Most will say yes. Does the Bible agree?
I have often heard the question asked; why did Jesus teach in parables? I have received many answers to this question. Some respond in this manner. While Jesus was teaching the multitudes, he would look over and see a common activity, such as a sower planting his field. They would continue to explain that he would utilize every day activities to better enlighten the public, afterwards they would understand and become converted. Does the Bible state such a definition? Let us turn to its pages and seek the answers.
Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you (the disciples) it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Did you catch that? At this point in time Jesus is speaking to his disciples, not the crowd. He clearly explains that he speaks in parables so the multitude will not understand and will not see the truth. Now this explanation is in opposition of main stream Christianity. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus Christ said. Let’s compare this subject with the other gospel accounts.
Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you (the disciples) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Mat 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Mark really brings the topic home.
Mark 4:10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you (the disciples) it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Lest at any time they should be converted and their sins should be forgiven; this isn’t the way it has been taught is it? Yet my friends, this is exactly how Jesus taught. So if he isn’t trying to save the entire world now, then when? That is for another article. Remember, if it’s in your Bible; it’s truth!
Feel free to listen to a sermon I gave titled “Why are Parables Misunderstood” by clicking the following link. http://youtu.be/FVRKkVvsj3c
By: Chris Anderson
I have often heard the question asked; why did Jesus teach in parables? I have received many answers to this question. Some respond in this manner. While Jesus was teaching the multitudes, he would look over and see a common activity, such as a sower planting his field. They would continue to explain that he would utilize every day activities to better enlighten the public, afterwards they would understand and become converted. Does the Bible state such a definition? Let us turn to its pages and seek the answers.
Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you (the disciples) it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Did you catch that? At this point in time Jesus is speaking to his disciples, not the crowd. He clearly explains that he speaks in parables so the multitude will not understand and will not see the truth. Now this explanation is in opposition of main stream Christianity. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus Christ said. Let’s compare this subject with the other gospel accounts.
Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you (the disciples) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
Mat 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Mark really brings the topic home.
Mark 4:10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you (the disciples) it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
Mark 4:12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
Lest at any time they should be converted and their sins should be forgiven; this isn’t the way it has been taught is it? Yet my friends, this is exactly how Jesus taught. So if he isn’t trying to save the entire world now, then when? That is for another article. Remember, if it’s in your Bible; it’s truth!
Feel free to listen to a sermon I gave titled “Why are Parables Misunderstood” by clicking the following link. http://youtu.be/FVRKkVvsj3c
By: Chris Anderson