What Jesus Did! 'For Your Understanding' — Mark 4:10-11

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

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

  • Proverbs 15:23
  • Titus 1:3
  • James 1:19

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 4:10-11 NLT — "You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, ..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

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.

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