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Articles
A Key to Understanding
A Key to Understanding
At the conclusion of the parable of the sower in Mark 4, Jesus told the multitude, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (v. 9) Jesus goes on to talk privately with His disciples, and He quotes a rather interesting Scripture from Isaiah 6:9-10, “Seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand; lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them.”
Why is it that some men will not understand God’s word? Is it because God has predestined some individuals to hear His voice and understand His will, while others are predestined to a faithless life? Of course not - but how do we explain what Jesus is saying here?
Keep in mind what Jesus just taught in the parable of the sower: individuals will not respond to the gospel in faithful obedience because of the condition of their heart. It was hard hearts that made Jesus angry back in Mark 3:5. The downfall of those with hard hearts is they do not go to Jesus looking for answers.
Therein lies the key to understanding: a genuine interest in seeking understanding from the Lord! Why was it that some of the disciples understood the parable when the multitude did not? Read Mark 4:10, “But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.” These disciples understood the parable because they asked Jesus about the meaning!
Jesus goes on to clarify this key to understanding in Luke 4:21-25. Jesus is the light that reveals our heart, (v. 21-22). “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear,” (v. 23). When Jesus says in v. 24-25, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given:” To paraphrase, with the same attention and diligence you give to study, the same measure of understanding will be given to you. Whoever has understanding, (because he searches the Scriptures), to him more understanding will be given.
The key to understanding is a desire to understand that leads one to find answers from Christ and His word.
