In Mark's account, this passage follows the of the mustard seed analyzed previously (PER143). It probably concerns the other parables mentioned by Matthew, also delivered during this great discourse in the cove near Capernaum.
This discourse, mainly recorded by Matthew, represents a significant development in Jesus the Messiah's evangelistic strategy. From this point on, he adopts the language of parables. According to our analyses, the reasons for this transition are detailed in the appendix ANN078 entitled: The parables.
The verses in Mark 4.33-34 allow us to identify three particular points:
• Progressive revelation: Jesus the Messiah reveals his teachings progressively, giving more explanations to those who are close to him and show a willingness to understand.
• A special relationship with the disciples: This verse in Mark 4.34 highlights Jesus' special relationship with his disciples, offering them more in-depth training and privileged access to his teachings.
• The importance of understanding: Jesus the Messiah highlights the importance of fully understanding spiritual teachings in order to apply them correctly and share them with others.
Overall, Mark 4.33-34 shows that Jesus the Messiah uses parables as a teaching tool while ensuring that his disciples have a clear and profound understanding of his teachings. This approach combines the disclosure of spiritual truths with deeper learning for those who are ready to receive them.
It is likely that many of these parables were not passed on to us by Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Likewise, most of the private explanations were not recorded for us. This silence is easily explained: if all these discussions had been written down, we would have not a single work, but probably ten or a hundred volumes.
John is right in his conclusions (John 20.30 and John 21.25), for our Gospels contain only a fraction of the events that took place.
These discussions provide training for the disciples in preparation for the time when they will be on their own after Jesus the Messiah's death. This knowledge will form the basis of their future preaching.