Jesus Teaches People by Telling Stories

Reference

Mark 4:33-34

Introduction

Crowds of people often listened to Jesus. He used parables when he spoke to the people in the crowds. Parables are stories that are told in picture language. Jesus talked about things that the people knew well. Then they could learn and understand about God. Jesus always spoke to the people in that way. He taught them as much as they could understand.

Jesus also taught his friends, the disciples. He took them away from the crowds. Then he taught the disciples more. They also asked him questions. They wanted to learn and they wanted to understand. Jesus explained everything to his disciples.

Questions to ask

(v33)   How did Jesus teach the people who were in the crowds?

(v33)   Why did Jesus teach the people only by telling stories?

(v34)   How did Jesus teach his disciples?

(v34)   Why did Jesus teach his disciples in that way?

(v34)   Why did the disciples understand more than the people who were in the crowds?

(v34)   Why was it important for the disciples to learn well?

Something to do

Jesus wanted people to understand what he taught them. He told stories so that it was easy for people in the crowds to understand.

He wanted to explain everything to his disciples. He answered their questions when they were away from the crowds. When it was quieter he could teach the disciples better.

Are you careful when you talk to people about God? Do you use words that they can understand? Can you answer their questions?