Understanding Jesus' Parables and the Beauty of Unanswered Questions

Have you ever wondered why Jesus spoke in parables instead of giving clear, straightforward answers? Why does faith sometimes feel more like a puzzle than a simple instruction manual? The answer lies in understanding that God intentionally speaks in mysteries—not to confuse us, but to draw us deeper into relationship with Him.

What Makes Faith So Complex?

Faith is like golf in many ways. Golf is considered the most complex motion in all sports—requiring an impossible combination of concentration and relaxation, rhythm and power, deliberation and letting go. There are countless points where something can go wrong, and every situation on the course requires adjustments.

Here's the truth about golf: it's impossible to perfect. There's no such thing as a perfect swing or perfect game. Yet this very elusiveness keeps golfers coming back, thinking "next time I'll do better."

This paradox applies to any passion—gardening, music, art, writing. We pursue perfection knowing we'll never fully achieve it. And this same principle applies to our faith journey.

Why Does Jesus Speak in Parables?

In Mark 4:10-11, Jesus explains that parables serve a dual purpose. To those with soft hearts seeking understanding, some mystery is revealed. But for those with hardened hearts, the mystery remains impenetrable.

Jesus doesn't force himself on anyone. He respects people who are indifferent or have hardened their hearts. This is why aggressive evangelism often backfires—when we stop pushing and start living authentically, people become curious about what we have.

The Pattern of Promise and Mystery

Throughout salvation history, we see a consistent pattern: promise, fulfillment, then new promise. The Israelites were promised liberation and received it—but freedom created new challenges. They were promised a Messiah who came—but then had to wait for the kingdom of heaven.

Even in heaven, we won't know everything. We are finite beings made in the image of an infinite God. If all our questions were answered and longings fulfilled, we'd be bored. The excitement of eternity lies in continued discovery and growth.

How Do Our Holy Longings Lead Us Astray?

God has placed eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We can imagine unlimited knowledge, being everywhere at once, and living eternally—but we can't experience these things yet. This creates a gap between our longings and our reality.

All sin is essentially an attempt to fulfill genuine, righteous longings in inappropriate ways. Addictions try to make us feel or not feel something that only God can properly address. We seek shortcuts to bridge the gap between our longings and fulfillment.

The Problem with Simple Answers

Modern evangelicalism often tries to systematize faith into neat formulas like "Four Spiritual Laws." But if the mystery of God could be grasped through logical formulas, why didn't Jesus use them? Why did He speak in parables that confused everyone—including His disciples?

Being with Jesus is a love affair, not a transaction. You can't explain love in four simple steps any more than you can learn to ride a horse by reading books. Until you actually sit in the saddle, none of it makes complete sense.

What's the Beauty of Mystery in Faith?

Mystery creates fascination. Think about infatuation—before you really know someone, the mystery is captivating. Once you know everything about them, the fascination often fades. But with God, the mystery never ends because He is infinite.

C.S. Lewis argued that love is most fully realized when what you desire is just out of reach. Jesus isn't out of reach, but knowing everything about Him is. This keeps us seeking, asking questions, and growing deeper in relationship.

Learning Through Experience vs. Rules

Would you rather learn mechanics by reading a manual or by working alongside an experienced mechanic? Jesus chose the hands-on approach. He didn't give systematic theology lessons—He invited people to follow Him and learn through experience.

Some Christians will talk to God while playing golf. Others will talk to God when frustrated by golf. The point isn't following identical steps—it's enjoying relationship with Jesus rather than just following proper procedures.

How Should We Approach Unanswered Questions?

When someone asks a difficult question about faith, resist the urge to provide quick answers. Instead, say "I'm not sure—let's look it up together." This creates curiosity and partnership in discovery rather than shutting down conversation.

Many biblical questions don't have clear answers. When was hell created? Scripture doesn't say. How is communion bread actually Christ's body? Churches have split over this question, but it remains a mystery of faith.

If you can fully explain God, then by definition, what you're explaining isn't God—it's just your opinion. God must be beyond our complete understanding to truly be God.

Life Application

This week, instead of trying to have all the answers about faith, embrace the mystery. When you encounter something about God or Scripture that you don't understand, resist the urge to find a quick explanation. Instead, sit with the mystery. Let it create curiosity and draw you deeper into relationship with Jesus.

Practice saying "I don't know, but let's explore this together" when others ask difficult questions about faith. Focus more on enjoying your relationship with Jesus than on following perfect spiritual formulas.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I more fascinated by the mystery of God or frustrated by unanswered questions?
• Do I try to force my faith on others or do I live authentically and let them become curious?
• What spiritual "shortcuts" am I tempted to take instead of growing through relationship with Jesus?
• How can I embrace the beauty of not knowing everything while still growing in faith?

Remember, the goal isn't to solve the mystery of God but to be drawn deeper into loving relationship with Him through it.