Ministry Model

His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’ [Matthew 13.10-15]

The parables Jesus taught were significant indicators of Him being the Messiah.

However, the parables Jesus taught served another purpose. They served to separate those who simply heard His message from those who actually listened to it. When Jesus was alone with the disciples, He explained the parables because they asked Him to.

This makes me wonder about public ministry today... Are we getting it wrong?

Jesus was not unclear in more than once instance that whatever His followers saw Him doing was what they were to do also. He even went so far as to say His disciples are sent by Him the same way He was sent by God (John 17.18; John 20.21). Does this mean we also should speak publicly in parables? Why wouldn't it? I read two Gospel accounts just today that defined Jesus' use of parables.

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]

Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. [Matthew 13.34]

I think our modern teaching/preaching is what it is because we have failed to understand what "making disciples" is all about! I think most modern "discipleship programs" fail because they are simply a duplication of what goes on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. If Jesus' example is our model, then this must change! The more intimate discipleship setting is where explanations are discussed among those who are genuinely "listening." Why would we ever presume otherwise?

Father, help us to see that just because we do something one way or another does NOT mean it is what You want. Help us to get our ministry models from Your Word and only from Your Word!