Lenten Reflection #8: Jesus Teaches

“He would speak the word to them with many parables like these, as they were able to understand.” (Mark 4:33, HCSB)

When Jesus teaches, you can easily understand. He used a method of teaching called parables. A parable was an earthly story with a spiritual meaning (in its most basic definition). In other words, Jesus taught so that the people would understand. He even criticized the disciples one time because they did not understand. He said it was because they were unable to receive it due to sin.

“Aware of this, He said to them, “Why are you discussing that you do not have any bread? Don’t you understand or comprehend? Is your heart hardened?” (Mark 8:17, HCSB)

Jesus’ teaching methods are never difficult. He is the best Teacher you will encounter. But that doesn’t mean the lesson will be easy.

“Therefore, when many of His disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard! Who can accept it?”” (John 6:60, HCSB)

That’s why the Bible teaches that the hardest part to Jesus’ teaching is not understanding the lesson but obeying it.

“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22, HCSB)

When Jesus teaches, He doesn’t want me to just listen. He wants me to obey Him. Has Jesus been teaching you something lately. Have you hard a hard time understanding Him, or have you had a hard time obeying Him?