Mark 4:10-20

The Explanation of the Parable and the Mystery of God's Rule (4:10-20).

Once the parable had been given those desirous of knowing more crowded round Jesus for an explanation. This was what distinguished the true disciples from the hangers on.

Analysis.

a And when he was alone those who were about him with the twelve asked him what the parables meant (Mark 4:10).

b And he said to them, “To you is given the mystery of the Kingly Rule of God, but to those who are without all things are done in parables, that seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand, lest it should happen that they turn again and it should be forgiven them” (Mark 4:11).

a And he says to them, “Do you not know this parable? And how shall you know all parables?” (Mark 4:13).

Note that in ‘a' the twelve, along with others who were about Him asked Him about the meaning of the parables, and in the parallel Jesus is concerned because they do not know. Centrally He explains why He teaches in parables.