Parables to Frustrate
Some have read this text and wondered if Christ used parables to deliberately confuse certain people who might otherwise have been converted. Like many Bible questions, it is best to look at other verses to see what God says about His desire for people to be saved. See Revelation 22:17, for instance, which makes it plain that “whosoever desires” may come to and be accepted into the kingdom.
The apostle Peter stated, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). It is clear through other Bible writers that God never intended to hide any truth that would lead a person to repentance and conversion.
So what does this passage in Mark really mean? The verse is made clear by reading a parallel account in Matthew’s Gospel, when a reason is given why some people do not hear or see the truth. “For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them” (Matthew 13:15).
Christ’s words are spoken in irony. Another way of saying this verse might be, “These people plug their ears and refuse to listen! They squeeze their eyes shut and cannot see anything.” Zechariah describes some people who turn from God by saying, “Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law” (Zechariah 7:12).
Jesus wisely used parables to bypass prejudiced minds. But for those who insisted on refusing to hear His words, the parables were meaningless and only “increased” their darkness. May it not be so for you and me!
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And he said unto them, Unto you 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: 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. Mark 4:11-12
Amazing Facts Devotional It is Written The Incredible Journey EG White Devotional
Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek. Steps to Christ, p. 45