Speaking to them in Parables.

Mark 3:20-35

Yesterday, we read Mark 3:20-35, which recounts a moment in Jesus' ministry where he faced personal and public attacks. His own relatives thought he was "out of his mind," and the scribes from Jerusalem accused him of being the "prince of demons."

By examining how Jesus handled these attacks, we can learn valuable lessons on dealing with personal and public criticism. Mark repeatedly references Jesus casting out demons and appointing his disciples to preach and cast out demons to provide context for these attacks on his ministry. So, how does Jesus respond? Mark tells us that he "began to speak to them in parables."

Many believe that Jesus speaks in parables because he is a great communicator and loves to tell stories. However, that is not the case. Often, the audience does not understand his parables, which suggests that there is a deeper purpose behind them.

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells us why he speaks in parables:

Matthew 13:10–13 (ESV) 10 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” 11 And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

According to Jesus, parables reveal secrets to those who are ready to understand the kingdom of heaven, while keeping these truths hidden from others. These deeper truths are only understood after someone places their trust in Christ. People who do not trust Christ cannot grasp these mysteries; they must trust Him first. Parables help Jesus reveal these truths to those who are open to hearing, while keeping them hidden from those who are not. Everyone hears Jesus, but only those with the spirit understand.

In Mark 3:20-35, we see that when Jesus is attacked publicly, he responds by speaking in parables. This way, he avoids direct confrontation with his critics while teaching his followers the truth. Instead of replying to accusations of being the "prince of demons," Jesus explains to his disciples that he is the one who binds the strong man and plunders his house. Part of his mission is to cast out demons and free those who are held captive.

Jesus teaches us that we don't need to defend ourselves against those who insult us. Instead, we should share the truth with those who genuinely want to know.

Peace be with you!

- Pastor Bruce