David Bahn – Reflections

Mark 4:10-13

¹⁰ And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. ¹¹ And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, ¹² so that

¹³ And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? ¹⁴ The sower sows the word…

Joni Eareckson Tada is an evangelical Christian author, radio host, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization “accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community.” I first learned of her after seeing some of her artwork which she had created by means of holding a paintbrush with her teeth. Joni is paralyzed from her neck down. She has no use of her arms or legs, following an accident she suffered as a teenage girl. Joni had many reasons to struggle with God’s ways and once said, “There is a difference between the “why” of a clenched fist and the “why” of a searching heart.”

Apparently there is also a difference between the questions of the dismissive skeptic and the sincere but confused disciple. Through Jesus’ teaching in parables those who dismissed Jesus and his teachings would be left out; the meaning and significance of those parables would be lost on them. But Jesus would explain his parables and teachings to his disciples – even though he would sometimes also chide them for being slow to believe and of small faith on occasion.

How are you asking questions of Jesus? Are you searching or skeptical? Have you assigned yourself the place of refusal or of repentance? Do you prevent yourself from finding the greatest blessings of God because you put yourself outside of his reach or do you seek his favor by acknowledging your needs and repenting of your shortcomings. Jesus calls people to repentance and faith. Refusal to acknowledge his call is fatal. Repentance brings life.