Mark 4:10

The Message

When they were off by themselves, those who were close to him, along with the Twelve, asked about the stories. He told them, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. But to those who can’t see it yet, everything comes in stories, creating readiness, nudging them toward a welcome awakening. These are people— Whose eyes are open but don’t see a thing, Whose ears are open but don’t understand a word, Who avoid making an about-face and getting forgiven.”

Cross References

Proverbs 13:20

Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

Matthew 13:36

Jesus dismissed the congregation and went into the house. His disciples came in and said, “Explain to us that story of the thistles in the field.”

Mark 4:9

“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”

Mark 7:17

When he was back home after being with the crowd, his disciples said, “We don’t get it. Put it in plain language.”