Why Wouldn’t Jesus Want People to Understand and Be Forgiven? | Mark 4:11-12 | What Did Jesus Mean By ...? pt. 7

When asked about why he teaches in parables, Jesus says that He teaches in parables "so that while seeing they may see, and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear, and not understand, otherwise they might return and it would be forgiven them." - Mark 4:12.

Doesn't Jesus want people to understand his teaching? Doesn't he want them to be forgiven? 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we explore Mark 4, its connection to Isaiah 6, and why Jesus taught in parables. 

Mark 4:10-12

10 As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve disciples, began asking Him about the parables. 11 And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but for those who are outside, everything comes in parables, 12 so that while seeing they may see, and not perceive, and while hearing, they may hear, and not understand, otherwise they might return and it would be forgiven them.”

Isaiah 6:8-10

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 

9 And He said, “Go, and tell this people:

‘Keep on listening, but do not understand;

And keep on looking, but do not gain knowledge.’

10 Make the hearts of this people insensitive,

Their ears dull,

And their eyes blind,

So that they will not see with their eyes,

Hear with their ears,

Understand with their hearts,

And return and be healed.”

 

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