Christ as Servant: A Study in MarkSample

What does it say?

Jesus began to use parables to teach the crowds. Away from the crowds, He explained the parables to His own disciples.

What does it mean?

Jesus used parables so the truths of God would be fully understood by those who were sincerely listening. People who heard Jesus, but had shallow or hard hearts, could not completely absorb the real message. Genuine change cannot occur in anyone whose heart is filled with pride or other sins. Those who allow Jesus’ teaching to saturate their hearts will demonstrate the very truths His parables illustrate: spiritually fruitful lives with hearts open to understanding and sharing the truths of the kingdom of God.

How should I respond?

How carefully do you listen when you read God’s Word or listen to biblical teaching? If you go to church or read the Bible nonchalantly, you will probably walk away unchanged. Instead, take time to pray and truly study Scripture with an open heart. Rather than rushing through an entire book of the Bible, try patiently meditating on a verse or passage that pricks at your heart. Ask God to reveal its meaning by the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Then submit to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to apply that truth to your life. As you open the Bible this week, guard against having a hard, shallow, or proud heart and listen with care.