Mark 4

When you read a passage where Jesus tells a parable and then explains it to the disciples, what do you think?

Jesus is a jerk for not telling the crowds?

Jesus is being really nice to explain to His disciples?

Either way that is unfair?

But do you ever think, "Man, Jesus explained it to me too."? Like we actually have on record an explaination of this parable. God's word (prophecy, the good news, Christ) is shared and people all receive it differently. That and all the specifics wrapped up in a story about a farmer.

When it comes down to it though, there are many parables, an the whole Bible without God's written word explaining it. So, how do we find out the meaning of that?

Ask Jesus to explain?

Pretty much.

Where as He in person had been explaining to them while He was with them, the Holy Spirit can now explain. John 16:12-15. The Spirit will make these things known. Mark 4:22. Whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed.

God is a God who reveals mysteries and secrets (Dan 2:28, Amos 3:7) you just need to ask. xP