“But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables…” ~ Mark 4:10-11
- “But when He was alone…” Jesus had times when He was alone with God (read Alone With God ~ Min James)
- He also had times when He was alone from work (for rest/reflection). He often withdrew from the crowd for both of these.
- We as His disciples should copy these habits and have alone times with God and alone times of rest/relaxation also.
In addition, we also learn how precious secrets are shared in the alone times: “To you it has been given to know the mystery…” This is one of the reasons we love to be Alone With God ღ.
“But when He was alone, THOSE AROUND HIM with the twelve ASKED Him about the parable…”
- Dear friend, it is important to be someone who is ‘always around.’ These secrets or mysteries Jesus shared were to those around (not just the 12 disciples).
- Learn to be someone who is always around – always there; available; follows closely; and is not in a hurry to leave – when relating with God.
- God will share the same secrets He shares with the Bishops, Apostles & Prophets with you.
The secret [of the wise counsel] of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will let them know His covenant and reveal to them [through His word] its [deep, inner] meaning.
My eyes are continually toward the Lord, For He will bring my feet out of the net. ~ Psalm 25:14-15
Similarly, learn to be around people or places you want to gain some insights or secrets from. When you are always around or permanent, people can invest freely in your life. But if you have plans to leave soon, no one is willing to invest in you!
- You want to be anointed, be around anointed people; you want to be successful, be around successful people, etc.
- By being someone who is known to be around or permanent, you open the doorway for precious secrets to be entrusted to you.
- You get opportunities to be alone with the leader, ask questions, and get the real secrets.
And if you’re a leader or anyone at all, learn to entrust your precious secrets/mysteries to ‘those who are around.’ Avoid the deception of short relationships and don’t fall for the ‘newly joined mirage.’
- Every new thing is nice (new car, new phone, etc). Every new person is nice, polite, smiling, humble, committed, etc.
- Be careful, you see a new person and say, “Ow she’s so nice, He’s so fine; I want to marry him/her.” The person is new, that is why he/she is ‘nice and humble’ like that.
"and He must not be a new convert, so that he will not [behave stupidly and] become conceited [by appointment to this high office] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil [for his arrogance and pride]." ~ 1 Timothy 3:6
- When you give it some time and interaction, you get to know people and who they really are. (It took the other disciples 3 years to find out Judas was a betrayer).
- Be sure the people you want to entrust your precious secrets/things to, are people who are ‘around.’ (Paul advised Timothy not to choose new converts as pastors).
Even if another term for disciple would not be ‘always around,’ it is surely a requirement! Let’s learn from Jesus dear friend. Heyy… you’re blessed and highly favoured!
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