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Daily Devotions

Mark

Mark 
Day 
Day 83

Peter 3:9b "Knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing."

Day 83 – Mark 4

“Knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9b

AN ENRICHED UNDERSTANDING OF THE PARABLES

The storyline of every parable is fairly straightforward. Hardly anyone would have difficulty in following the story as Jesus masterfully told it. In order to receive an enriched understanding of each parable one must seek to appreciate the following.

Four things may be highlighted:-

1. The context in which the parables are told.

2. The reasons behind the telling of the parables.

3. Understanding the main thrust of each parable.

4. Appreciating the little details that make each parable so warm and alive.

THE SEARCH FOR SPIRITUAL WISDOM

Jesus may have used simple parables, but hidden in the parables are great spiritual truths. Let us ponder one particular reason why Jesus used parables. The answer may be found in the nature of how wisdom was meant to be discovered by the genuine seeker of spiritual understanding.

From the earliest time, the onus was laid on the seeker. He must search for wisdom as best he can. Only to the diligent seeker would God grant wisdom and understanding. Hence the words found in Proverbs 2 would apply.

“My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
And find the knowledge of God.”
PROVERBS 2:1-5

1. The multitude must treasure the words that Jesus spoke.

2. The people must incline their hearts to wisdom and understanding.

3. They must seek wisdom as they would silver and hidden treasures.
(For that matter, they must seek wisdom as they would seek healing from Jesus)

4. Only in this manner would they truly find the knowledge of God that Jesus sought to impart