I recognized something both in the text and in me while reading through Remarkable: 40 Days in the Gospel of Mark for the #LentChallenge this first week:
Mark’s Gospel is hard to read.
During Lent, you’re invited to join thousands around the world as we dive into this fast-paced Gospel. To learn more, click here.
Though we’re just starting out, I must confess:
Sometimes the Bible just doesn’t say what I want it to say.
Have you ever had that feeling?
Take, for example, Mark’s rendering of why Jesus teaches in parables in Mark 4:10-12:
“When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, ‘The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that,
’they may be ever seeing but never perceiving,
and ever hearing but never understanding;
otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’’’”
Did Christ really teach in parables so that people won’t ever understand and won’t ever be forgiven?
Mark’s Gospel can seem like a 100,000-piece puzzle to the modern reader—almost impossible to put together.
We’re not the only ones. Mark makes a point to explain that Jesus became an enigma to his closest friends and followers, too.
Throughout Mark’s Gospel we see time after time when the disciples couldn’t piece anything together either. Need proof? Take a quick peek at passages like Mark 4:13, 4:40, 6:52, 7:17-18, 8:4—just to name a few.
The disciples were often veiled to the true nature and character of Jesus
But why?
What if Mark’s mystery is intentional?
What if the mysterious way he pens this Gospel reveals the mysterious character of Christ?
Over the next 5 weeks, we’re going to find out as we dive deeper into Remarkable: 40-Days through the Book of Mark.
Perhaps the intentional mystery woven into Mark’s gospel reveals to us the key enigma:
Maybe Jesus is even better than we imagined.
Maybe the Kingdom of God is better than we imagined.
Maybe we’re about to uncover Someone and something remarkable.
Perhaps Mark’s Gospel is intentionally mysterious to remind us that Jesus is so much more than who we think, assume, or guess. Maybe in embracing the mystery of Christ we discover more of Him.
What stood out to you from today’s reading?
It struck me that I need to work on the QUALITY of my soil. Jesus says not only to hear but to USE what I know and have been given. He measures out to me in proportion to what I’m using. I want a heart of good soil so that I can bear much fruit!
Hi Janie,
You make a very good point. It made me realize that I need to evaluate my life during Lent in terms of, “He measures out to me in proportion to what I’m using”. Am I truly using all the gifts and opportunities He’s given me?
HEY Margaret! This is what I noticed today and thought about ! I knew that Jesus’ family called Him “mad” (crazy) Mark 4:21! But it hit me like a ton of bricks today that His family is rarely mentioned in the Bible! Yes, we are given information about His birth, death, burial, and resurrection! Isn’t it funny that one of the few times it talks about His earthly relatives, it speaks of them calling Him crazy! Think if that… His own family thought He was crazy! Wow! I think of current news concerning comments about Mike Pence “hearing from Jesus” !!the lady on the talk show said he had a mental illness! So, I say Vice President, Mike Pence is in pretty good company!’
This scripture really came home to me about nine years ago! My daughter had severe post partum depression! Her own husband and his family called her crazy! ( Another story for another day) After I read this Scripture, I would remind her of this Scripture when she was upset! He really does know and understand our troubles!He suffered them, too!’
This verse popped out to me today, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given – and you will receive even more.” (4:24). How often to I half listen and miss out on what others, including God are trying to tell me? How often do I have to re-read or have others repeat themselves because I’m not paying close attention to what is being said. How often do I take my ability to hear for granted? How often do I miss discerning His voice because I’m not listening? With listening, comes understanding, and “even more” according to verse 24! Lord, give us hunger for “even more” of you today.
Joy
Amen to that! His sufferings are our sufferings as I am learning. Family can be so difficult when your a true believer.
Margaret I read that exact passage several times, in different versions trying to get more clarity. It was left a mystery in each. I finally moved on so I wouldn’t get hung up. Part of (my) faith is accepting I won’t understand everything.
I love tha parable of the growing seed, I think that’s actually the next day. How the farmer didn’t have to do anything after he planted the seed, it still grew. I don’t really know if this is the exact interpretation of this story (probably not) but it gives me great relief to know I really only have to be willing to scatter the seeds of truth. If it is my daily routine to do so, there are probably many seed I’ve forgot that I’ve tossed and others that I can forget after releasing them…they will still flourish. Sometimes I have the joy of watching or tending to those sprouts but quite often I don’t. And that’s ok.
Great insight, Janie! Thanks for sharing!
Oooo, Diane! this is good!
Thank you for the wonderful observation, Joy, and the direct tie-in to your life. Beautiful. Hugs!
Wonderful verse & excellent questions! Thank you for sharing, Karlee!
Thank you for the thoughtful response, Tara! May your faith continue to grow. Hugs!
A hug thank you to all of you who share your thoughts. How encouraging and Margaret thanks especially for your insight.
Thank you, sweet Sherri! Hugs!