Mark 4:33

The Use of Parables

4:33 So ¹  with many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear.

Mark 7:13

7:13 Thus you nullify ²  the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like this.”

Mark 9:37

9:37 “Whoever welcomes ³  one of these little children ⁴  in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Mark 10:14

10:14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ⁵ 

Mark 13:19

13:19 For in those days there will be suffering ⁶  unlike anything that has happened ⁷  from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, or ever will happen.

Mark 6:2

6:2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. ⁸  Many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did he get these ideas? ⁹  And what is this wisdom that has been given to him? What are these miracles that are done through his hands?

¹ tn Grk “And.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the implied result of previous action(s) in the narrative.

² tn Grk “nullifying.” This participle shows the results of the Pharisees’ command.

³ tn This verb, δέχομαι (decomai), is a term of hospitality (L&N 34.53).

⁴ sn Children were very insignificant in ancient culture, so this child would be the perfect object lesson to counter the disciples’ selfish ambitions.

⁴ sn The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Children are a picture of those whose simple trust illustrates what faith is all about. The remark illustrates how everyone is important to God, even those whom others regard as insignificant.

⁵ tn Traditionally, “tribulation.”

⁶ sn Suffering unlike anything that has happened. Some refer this event to the destruction of Jerusalem in a.d. 70. While the events of a.d. 70 may reflect somewhat the comments Jesus makes here, the reference to the scope and severity of this judgment strongly suggest that much more is in view. Most likely Jesus is referring to the great end-time judgment on Jerusalem in the great tribulation.

⁶ sn See the note on synagogue in 1:21. Jesus undoubtedly took the opportunity on this occasion to speak about his person and mission, and the relation of both to OT fulfillment.

⁷ tn Or “this teaching”; Grk “these things.” The response of the people centers upon the content of Jesus’ teaching, so the phrase “these ideas” was supplied in the text to make this clear.