In response to the question of why he teaches in parables, Jesus says "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, 12 so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN." (Mark 4:11-12)
Several questions arise from Jesus' answer:
1. Does Jesus use parables to intentionally prevent some from seeing, hearing, repenting, etc.?
2. What exactly does the phrase "mystery of the kingdom of God" mean?
3. How does the "citation" of Isa 6:9 fit with the larger context of Mark?
4. How does the larger context of Mark illuminate Jesus' statement here?
The floor is now yours ...