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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Day 21 - Chapter 4, Verses 10-13
And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, "The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that 'they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.'" Jesus said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?
What do you find it hard to understand about the ways of God?
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2 comments:
I'm just catching up... I've never understood the line "in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven". Why would Jesus intentionally teach in parables in order that some won't be converted and be forgiven? Is it just a bad translation?
Good question.
First, Jesus is quoting here, or sort of paraphrasing, Isaiah 6:9. The idea is less that God prevents people from seeing, hearing, being converted, than that their obstinacy does.
Also, the point being made is that even hearing the parables is not the key in the lock. One's heart must be prepared to listen and to accept them.
In Mark's community, as they underwent persecution, there may have been a good deal of consternation about those who had seemed to have heard, but who had left at the first signs of trouble. This re-telling of the parable explains to the community that it is not only necessary to hear, but to hear deeply and to have one's life transformed in the hearing.
As you catch up, read the newly posted review of chapter four. You might get more insights into how they understood this kind of teaching.
And write back, if you want more info! A good question to raise.
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