The Jesus Bible Reading Plan / THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM

The Jesus Bible Reading Plan

Day 162 of 365 THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM Jesus' parables were like wrapped gifts given for people to enjoy. Jesus taught people about the kingdom by using these short stories that contained deeper meanings. Like all packages, the wrapping can either distract or captivate, and unless the package is opened, the gift remains unseen and not yet enjoyed. In the same way, Jesus' parables have to be unwrapped in order to uncover the application and understand the intent. Jesus said that even those who had physical sight and hearing might not understand what was presented to them (4:12, quoting Isa 6:9). Isaiah's words point to the fact that people's "hardness of heart" is created by sin. Those who seek the wisdom of God need to humble themselves, soften their hearts and honestly seek truth in order to find it. The religious leaders in this account were unwilling to give up their pride, humble themselves and learn from Jesus. God is the One who fills us with understanding and gives wisdom (Col 1:9). All of this happens through Jesus, of whom John wrote, "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life" (1Jn 5:20). Jesus, I don't want to be blind or deaf to your wisdom. Please soften my heart so I may know you intimately. Amen. Mark 4:11 NASB 11 And He was saying to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables,