Read Mark 4:10–20
When I was in school, my imagination was fertile. My studies were futile.
The ‘periods’ I excelled were recess, physical education (PE), and dismissal.
God gave me a wonderful mind that is constantly wandering.
My teachers were excellent educators; if only I could be educated.
There was no way they could force-feed my brain with facts and figures.
I could only learn as much as my brain developed.
It was no different during Jesus’ time.
Not everyone, including His disciples, could understand His teaching.
So, He used a different approach to teach them.
He told them parables that they could imagine.
In the Parable of the Sower, the sower is Him. [Mark 4:14]
The seeds He sows are the Good News. [Mark 4:14]
The four types of soil are how we receive Him.
The seeds that fall on the path are people who listen but do not get it. [Mark 4:15]
The seeds that fall on rocks are people who listen but are uncertain. [Mark 4:16–17]
The seeds that fall on thorns are people who listen but are distracted. [Mark 4:18–19]
The seeds that fall on good soil are people who listen and grow in faith. [Mark 4:20]
The type of soil reflects people at different stages in life or with varying levels of understanding.
Jesus tells stories His listeners can relate to.
We do not need to think or rationalise too much.
To understand His teachings, just be present with an open heart.
The American cognitive psychologist Howard Gardner wrote, “Anything worth teaching can be presented in many different ways.”
