PER144

Other unrecorded parables

Pericope PER144 examines Mark 4.33-34, where it is acknowledged that Jesus told many parables not recorded by the evangelists. Set near Capernaum in November–December 31, this passage reveals Jesus' progressive teaching method: revelation adapted to his listeners, in-depth training of the disciples, and the importance of spiritual understanding. John himself acknowledges (Jn 20.30; 21.25) that the Gospels contain only a fraction of Jesus' teachings.

6 min parables Mark 4.33-34 Jesus' teaching disciples teaching through parables 6 verses 2 books

Resources

Biblical texts

Matthew
Matthew (King James Version) not cited in the book
Mark
Mark 4.33-34 (King James Version)

And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.

But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

Luke
Luke (King James Version) not cited in the book
John
John (King James Version) not cited in the book

Technical details

Bar chart for the year 31

Location: A small bay along the shores of the , near Capernaum in Galilee.

Date: November or December AD 31

Method: We follow Mark

Note on the approach: Mark alone records this detail

Capernaum

Jesus the Messiah told many parables that have not come down to us.

Other unrecorded parables

Mustard seed

Comments

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.