In Or Out: Mark 4:10-12
Good mentors use parables all the time. Parables open doors for conversation. Parables reveal social dynamics in community. Parables give room for interpretation. A good parable may be one of the most effective tools in a mentor’s toolbox.
When Jesus was alone with the disciples, He asks them about the parable of the sower. In Matthew’s retelling of this story, found in Matthew 13, the disciples come to Him asking why He teaches in parables. Jesus returns their question with another question, asking if they understand the parable.
Jesus is setting the scenario. He wants the disciples to realize they don’t know everything in God’s plan even though they are Jesus’ inner circle. Human beings are seldom able to comprehend the totality of God’s plan. God’s ways are mysterious and typically only fully make sense when viewed in hindsight.
Thus, Jesus explains the purpose of parables to His disciples. His explanation sounds strange, especially the first time being exposed to this concept. Many believe Jesus used parables as a cute analogy to make a larger point, but that isn’t what Jesus says. Jesus used parables to keep things from being clear. Jesus used parables so the listeners would not have full access to what was said. Parables inherently place boundaries around His audience.
Be careful here. Remember yesterday I said that Jesus isn’t the diagnostician, He’s the teacher helping people learn how to self-diagnose. That is important to keep in mind. Jesus may be establishing boundaries, but in no way is He dictating who can come inside the boundaries. Jesus isn’t telling people who is in or out. By not teaching clearly, Jesus helps people self-diagnose whether they want to be in or out. Let’s examine this in more detail.
Parables help Jesus see who is curious enough to come and ask for a deeper explanation. This is what makes a disciple. Disciples go to their mentor and ask questions. By asking questions, these people declare interest in what the mentor taught. Then, the mentor can speak at greater length, in greater depth, and with greater meaning to people who are already interested! By teaching in parables, Jesus allows the people who want to be mentored to learn about their own curiosity and reveal their curiosity to mentors on their own terms. They self-diagnose they want to be on the inside.
Parables also allow those who are not curious to walk away without much investment of time. When these people hear the parable, their lack of curiosity declares they don’t want to give Jesus space to speak into their life more deeply. The parables give those people an opportunity to realize they aren’t interested in what Jesus could teach them. They self-diagnose they are happy staying on the outside.
Parables aren’t about gatekeeping and keeping people in the dark. Parables help listeners determine their level of interest in learning more. Those who are interested reveal it by asking more questions. Good mentors use parables all the time.
