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Welcome to Hearing God's Stories, a daily devotional on the parables presented by the Jenkins Institute.

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Week 26, Tuesday, Shining Your Light. Scriptures, Mark chapter 4, verses 21 through 25, by Travis Bookout, and I am Andy King. The Gospel of Mark records the mysterious missions of Jesus, as discussed in yesterday's devotional. Jesus did much in secret. He commanded the people of Israel to be silent about his miracles and identity. Although in Decapolis he told a man to proclaim how much Jesus had done for him. Mark chapter 5, verse 20. Yet during a later trip in Decapolis, after healing a deaf and mute person, he gave them orders not to tell anyone. Mark chapter 7, verse 36. There are numerous theories about why Jesus behaved this way. Some think Jesus was trying to delay his crucifixion so he can complete his misch ministry. This seems unlikely to be the full explanation as people often went out and spread the message anyway. Mark chapter 1, verse 45, chapter 7, verse 36. I think it is because before the cross and resurrection, people would have proclaimed the wrong Messiah. Peter believes Jesus is the Messiah, but rebukes Jesus when he hears about the cross. Mark chapter 8, verses 31 and 32. Jesus needed them to see what kind of Messiah he was before they went and proclaimed it. In Mark, which was written after the resurrection, the deeds of Jesus, even the secret ones, are revealed and explained to the reading. The secret interpretations of the parables are made public for you and me to read. Mark chapter 4, verses 13 through 20. We know about him healing the leper. Mark chapter 1, verses 40 through 45, casting out demons, Mark chapter 1, verses 24 and 25, and Mark chapter 3, verses 11 and 12, raising Jarus' daughter, Mark chapter 5, 35 through 43, healing the deaf and mute man, Mark chapter 7, verses 31 through 37. His identity as the Christ, Mark chapter 8, 29 through 30, and the transfiguration, Mark chapter 9, verses 2 through 9. All of these Jesus commanded to be kept quiet, but Mark writes them publicly, Mark is shining a light on things that were secret. On this side of the cross, the death and resurrection of Christ has been revealed. We know that Jesus is the Messiah who gives his life to save others. The gospel is not that Jesus conquered Rome or sinners, but he conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Salvation is available to all mankind. Today I will spawn the life of the gospel of Christ.