Mark 4 Footnotes

4:11-12 Did Jesus really speak in parables to hide the kingdom from “those outside”? According to the context here, yes and no. Proper listening is the theme that connects the parables in chap. 4, and Jesus spoke in parables to distinguish between “anyone who has ears to hear” (v. 9; that is, those with responsive hearts) and those who do not. He knew his parables would have opposite effects on those ready to listen and those not ready. He therefore implied an element of culpability in the audience (Mt 13:14). To those who have ears to hear, more revelation of the kingdom will be given, but to those who do not have ears to hear, even what revelation they have been given will be taken away, or will prove ineffective (Mk 4:25).

The quote in v. 12 is from Is 6. Concealing the message came in response to the people’s repeated, prolonged hardening, but the end of Is 6 nevertheless promises that a remnant would repent and return.