Does Jesus Use Parable As The Primary Meaning Of Mark 4: 10-12
Introduction
One of Jesus' primary means of teaching in the gospels is by way of the use of parables, which also have a close connection to the main focus of his teaching, the coming of the Kingdom of God.1The parables of Jesus in the synoptic gospels are metaphors or similes, often extended into narratives, involving everyday life, utilising objects and events of households, farms and royal courts.2 The aim of this essay is to discuss why Jesus used parable as a primary teaching form, with particular reference to Mark 4:10-12. In order to achieve this it will firstly offer a definition of parable, before looking at some of the challenges the scripture in view presents to the task at hand. Resultantly, it will offer a brief evaluation of some of the main approaches to interpreting Mark 4:10-12 in light of our question.
The Encyclopedia of Christianity states: 'The English word “parable” is derived from Gk. parabolē, and like its Greek antecedent its basic and primary meaning is “comparison.” A parable is a figure of speech, such as a simile or a brief narrative, by which the speaker makes a comparison between some transcendent, mysterious, or otherwise puzzling reality and that which is familiar to common human experience' The Challenge of Mark 4:10-12 Jesus utilised parable extensively, around 35% of his recorded teaching in the Synoptic …show more content…
This Kingdom message and mission was revealed in the person of Christ and it was Him that illuminated truth to the minds of the obedient whilst veiling it from those who were disobedient. Jesus used parable to proclaim the Kingdom, produce faith and declare judgement. The sense of vv.11-12 is that the Jesus' use of parable is to confirm mens hearts, insiders who are with Jesus will be given the understanding of the mystery, and outsiders who are not with Jesus will be confirmed in their
One of Jesus' primary means of teaching in the gospels is by way of the use of parables, which also have a close connection to the main focus of his teaching, the coming of the Kingdom of God.1The parables of Jesus in the synoptic gospels are metaphors or similes, often extended into narratives, involving everyday life, utilising objects and events of households, farms and royal courts.2 The aim of this essay is to discuss why Jesus used parable as a primary teaching form, with particular reference to Mark 4:10-12. In order to achieve this it will firstly offer a definition of parable, before looking at some of the challenges the scripture in view presents to the task at hand. Resultantly, it will offer a brief evaluation of some of the main approaches to interpreting Mark 4:10-12 in light of our question.
The Encyclopedia of Christianity states: 'The English word “parable” is derived from Gk. parabolē, and like its Greek antecedent its basic and primary meaning is “comparison.” A parable is a figure of speech, such as a simile or a brief narrative, by which the speaker makes a comparison between some transcendent, mysterious, or otherwise puzzling reality and that which is familiar to common human experience' The Challenge of Mark 4:10-12 Jesus utilised parable extensively, around 35% of his recorded teaching in the Synoptic …show more content…
This Kingdom message and mission was revealed in the person of Christ and it was Him that illuminated truth to the minds of the obedient whilst veiling it from those who were disobedient. Jesus used parable to proclaim the Kingdom, produce faith and declare judgement. The sense of vv.11-12 is that the Jesus' use of parable is to confirm mens hearts, insiders who are with Jesus will be given the understanding of the mystery, and outsiders who are not with Jesus will be confirmed in their