“In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them” (Mark 4:34, NLT).
It was almost as if much of Jesus’ teaching ministry consisted of riddles. He “hid everything in plain sight” by using symbolic language to convey His Kingdom truths. His goal was to lovingly provoke His hearers to dig deeper. His constant use of parables made it necessary to unearth nuggets of wisdom from within each story He crafted. He did not spoon feed His listeners; they had to actively engage with His material to glean from it.
Those with avid spiritual appetites must have gone home pondering on the underlying meanings of His illustrations. Jesus assured them that the hungry and thirsty ones craving righteousness would be filled. No doubt God met them in rich and meaningful ways, as they searched out what He was wanting to communicate to them.
However, there was a select group to whom Jesus gave detailed explanations of His parables: His disciples. For them and them alone did He break down each figure of speech and carefully unpack its meaning. When did this happen? Look again: “…When he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.”
When they were alone. When they were in their intimate, private space together.
Jesus has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As He did then, He leaves the door open for us, saying, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, NKJV). If we want to be His disciples, it will cost us everything. But what we gain – the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven – will exceedingly surpass anything that we give up to belong to His inner circle.
Do you want to be in Jesus’ intimate, private space? Will you take up your cross and follow Him? Will you get alone with Him today?
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Does it sometimes seem to you that God is speaking to you in riddles? If so, how do you respond to that?
Feeding On Jesus 
I have found, that I am closest to Jesus, when I am alone and away from distractions. A nature walk, a walk in the garden, sitting on my back steps listening to the sounds or peace that comes from the woods behind my home. When we are away from the ‘noise’ then we can hear, if we so have ears.
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What an absolutely vital key, Rebecca. Getting away from the noise is vitally important for having private, alone time with Him where we can hear Him speak. Thank you so much for sharing that!
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You are very welcome.
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🙂 🙂
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Charles Wesley’s Mother Suzanna had a large family. Her private space,,,,,, respected by all….. was when she said ‘Mama is talking to God’ and covered over her head and face with her apron.
I love to walk or sit in a quiet place, Thank God today that the riddles in the bible are being revealed to us as ever NEW by the Illumination of God the Holy Spirit.
Enjoy this new day and every new day as a chance to constantly be drawn to HIM.
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Smiling as my spirit receives that beautiful blessing. Thank you, my dear sister! I love you in Jesus! 💖
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I find joy and peace and rest and knowledge and beauty when I draw near to Jesus
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Yeeeeessss and amen!! BEAUTIFULLY expressed, my sister! 💖
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Oh, Jennifer, I want to be one in that inner circle, don’t you?
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YES!! Such a deep, deep longing that is for me, too, Annie!
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I love the parables and stories. I never thought of them as riddles. I saw them as the pictures in a children’s book. And I love children’s books.
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I really like that perspective, Dawn 🙂 💖. I think that speaks to you developing childlike trust in our Father, and that delights Him so much!
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I have not spent as much time in conversation with God as I would like this week. And when I have, I have not given my full attention and energy to that time. Hence I am not hearing what God is telling me fully, and I struggle to understand where He is guiding me.
I must make time to meditate in God’s presence, and listen to what he is telling me. Thank you for the reminder. ❤
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You are most welcome, Hamish! Grace upon grace upon grace to you!
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