Why Jesus Spoke in Parables | Mark 4:10-12

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

And here is a shout-out today to Steve & Susan Webb from Apple Valley, MN. Thank you for your partnership in Project23. You’re helping others hear the Word and respond to it. This one’s for you.

Today, we’re looking at Mark 4:10-12:

And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 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, so that

“‘they may indeed see but not perceive,
and may indeed hear but not understand,
lest they should turn and be forgiven.’” — Mark 4:10-12

After teaching the Parable of the Sower, Jesus has a moment alone with the Twelve and a few close followers and they proceed to ask him about the meaning of the parables.

And what Jesus says next stops us in our tracks:
“To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God… but for those outside, everything is in parables.”

It sounds almost backward. Shouldn't Jesus be trying to help people understand the truth? Yes—but he is also revealing a deeper reality. Parables don’t just teach truth—they test the heart. To those who are spiritually hungry, they invite. To those who are spiritually calloused, they conceal.

Then Jesus, quotes from Isaiah the prophet. An ancient text where God tells the prophet that many will hear and not understand, see and not perceive. Not because God is ever unclear—but because people's hearts are closed to God's message.

This is a sobering reminder that spiritual understanding isn’t merely intellectual—it’s formational.

Notice the disciples didn’t understand everything either. You will see their confusion about Jesus and the things he did and said all the way through the story. But they did something others didn't do—they asked. They leaned in. They stayed close to Jesus. And because they drew near, Jesus drew them deeper.

Jesus wasn’t hiding the truth from people. He was inviting those who wanted the truth to come closer.

And he still is.

If you feel confused about things God says in his Word—don’t walk away. Lean in. Ask questions. Listen again. Keep listening to me every day. Take notes. Dig deeper. The difference between seeing and perceiving… hearing and understanding… is the willingness to stay close to Jesus even when we are confused and seeking clarity.

So, in your life today, is there a place you feel a little confused about what Jesus is doing? Don't lean out. Lean in.

#LeanInToJesus, #SpiritualHunger, #Mark4Devotional

ASK THIS:

1. What do Jesus’ words reveal about spiritual hunger?
2. When have you felt confused about God but kept listening?
3. Why do some understand God’s Word and others don’t?
4. How are you currently leaning in to stay close to Jesus?

DO THIS:

Stay close to Jesus by asking one honest question in prayer today about something you don’t understand in his Word.

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, I don’t always understand what you’re doing, but I choose to lean in rather than walk away. Open my heart to see and hear your truth. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Speak To Me.