Mark 4:11-13
“‘You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward a welcome awakening. These are people— whose eyes are open but don’t see a thing, whose ears are open but don’t understand a word, who avoid making an about-face and getting forgiven.’ He continued, ‘Do you see how this story works? All my stories work this way.’”
“‘You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the scriptures might be fulfilled: ‘When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.’”
These verses follow upon the disciples questioning Jesus why he used stories (parables). Neither the language of Isaiah 6:9-10, Luke’s version (8:9-10) nor Marks words quoted here have exactly the same wording. This adds confusion to verses that are already hard to understand. Fortunately, the Message gives us good insight in its translation.
Jesus’ use of stories draw heavily upon the imagination. As we mull them over they help us arrive at a belief that is our own, not one pressed upon us. It is God’s Spirit sparking our imagination in story that draws us to him. His word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). We should not expect we can pin it down to each letter of the written law.
Holy Spirit, you gently clean my heart of lies that distort your Word. Knowing my imagination is part of this sets me free to ponder. I love this freedom I have in Christ. Thank you for giving it to me.