1 Peter 3:9a "Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing..."
Day 82 – Mark 4
“Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing…”
1 Peter 3:9a
HOW DOES ONE TEACH GREAT MULTITUDES EFFECTIVELY?
Again and again we read the word “multitude” in the Gospel of Mark (Cf. Mark 2:13; 3:20, 32; 4:1). Jesus chose one of the most unique techniques ever. He taught by parables.
“And a great multitude was gathered to Him,
so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea;
and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea.
Then He taught them many things by parables,
and said to them in His teaching.”
MARK 4:1-2
TEACHING BY PARABLES
What were some possible reason why Jesus chose the parabolic method to communicate with His audience? Let us consider some of the possible reasons:-
1. Jesus had assessed His audience well
a) Many were not highly educated.
b) Certainly very few of them had any theological training.
c) The parable, which is essentially a story, would be easily the most effective teaching tool to reach the audience Jesus had.
2. Many plus factors for choosing to teach by parables
a) Interesting parables would arrest the interest of the audience.
i) If the interest of the audience is not held, no matter how important a truth may be, the individual would not be able to appreciate the lesson taught.
ii) If the interest is held, the audience is more likely to pay more attention, and may even go beyond the hearing level.
b) A parable was an effective means of conveying deep spiritual truths.
i) Many insights could be given through teaching by parables.
ii) The parables Jesus told bear testimony of the power they wield as a teaching tool.
iii) Jesus was a Master story teller and thus this method suited Him admirably.