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The Questions of the Disciples

Text: Mark 4:1-20; Matthew 13: 1-23; Luke 8:4-15
8 December 2013

THE QUESTIONS OF THE DISCIPLES

1. The disciples asked Jesus why He chose to teach by Parables

Why do You speak to them in parables?          Matthew 13:10

2. The disciples asked Him about the meaning of the parable          Mark 4:10

Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?”          Luke 8:9

RESPONSE OF JESUS TO HIS DISCIPLES

1. Gentle rebuke

a) Do you not understand this parable?          Mark 4:13a
b) How then will you understand all the parables?          Mark 4:13b

2. Gracious encouragement

a) Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven          Matthew 13:11
b) Whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance          Matthew 13:12
c) Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear          Matthew 13:16
d) Not even the prophets and righteous people were privileged to hear these teachings          Matthew 13:16
e) Take heed how you hear          Luke 8:18a

3. Grave words of warning

a) To those on the outside          Mark 4:11b

(They did not want to be disciples)

b) Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him          Matthew 13:12
c) Therefore I speak to them in parables          Matthew 13:13
d) Because of their spiritual condition
i) They do not see
ii) They do not hear
iii) They do not understand          Matthew 13:13
iv) Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled          Matthew 13:14-15

POEMS CT

KNOWLEDGE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

The multitudes did not appreciate knowledge of the Kingdom of God,
They stood on the peripheral, content to see the miracles of the Lord.
The religious leaders of the day resisted and rejected all that Jesus said,
Their resistance to the Son of God revealed that their souls were truly dead.

The disciples were blessed because of their genuine faith in their Master,
They sacrificed much to follow Jesus as their true and great Messiah.
To them it was given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God,
Few comprehend the value of such knowledge revealed by the Lord.

Understanding of the parables must never be taken for granted or assumed,
The disciples must do their part in seeking answers, they must never presume.
They may receive gentle words of rebuke for their lack of comprehension,
They must have hearts that are stirred to consider paying even greater attention.

Jesus admonished them to take heed what and how they hear,
They must train their hearts to have a great sense of reverential fear.
The blessing of understanding the mysteries of the kingdom of God,
Must move the heart to hide the precious truths revealed by the Lord.

Inspiration: Mark 4:11