02 Many Things by Parables

MANY THINGS BY PARABLES
TEXT: Mark 4:1-34

SUMMARY: This passage introduces a new phase of Jesus ministry, characterized by a new disposition towards the Jews (the end of their status as a favored nation); a new intimacy with His disciples (the only true children of Abraham); and a new method of teaching them (a gracious but veiled gospel).
I. A NEW DISPOSITION TOWARDS THE JEWS. Jesus begins to distance Himself:
A. In His Contact with Them.
B. In His Words to Them.

II. A NEW INTIMACY WITH HIS DISCIPLES.
A. Their Response to Him, v. 10.
B. His Response to Them, vv. 11-12.

III. A NEW METHOD OF TEACHING.
A. The Parable as an Aid to Truth.
B. The Parable as a veil to Truth.