The angrier we get, the worse our Bible interpretation becomes. The more controversial a
specific subject matter is, the less we are able to perceive the true meaning behind a Bible
verse when we are searching for answers. When we go to the Bible with a preconceived
notion and attempt to prove someone wrong, we are headed for a disaster. In this case, we
are too emotional to read and interpret the text accurately, no matter how hard we pray!
This can easily take place in media debates, due to the fact that the media has the tendency
to polarise matters and to sweep up emotions. An example of this is the so-called “Gay
debate” or the “Same Sexed Relationship” conversations that have lately been prevalent in
the media. People on either side of the debate, fervently use the Bible to back up their
argument. They line up verses and texts with the explicit goal to convince and win over
members from the opposition. It seems as if they think that the side with the most verses
will win! It is most unfortunate that Christians and even Biblical scholars awkwardly sling the
Bible around like this. They do not use it, as the sharp sword that it is meant to be, but as a
useless blunt axe.
In these situations, we should always remember what Jesus taught concerning the role that
the Bible should play. In Mark 4 he tells the parable of the sower and the different types of
ground on which the seed fell. We often analyse the parable, but we fail to remember the
words with which Christ encircled this portion of scripture.
He begins this parable with the word: “Listen!”
At the end, he says “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear!”
These words at the commencement and the conclusion of the parable, explain exactly how
this teaching should be read: namely with a humble attitude in which we consent to really
listen.
The different types of ground, symbolise the hearts of people. There is in fact only two main
types of hearts that humans can possess: one that seeks God and His Truth and one that
rejects it. Openness toward God implies a receptiveness of heart and spirit; ears that strain
to truly hear God’s voice and not just to win an argument.
In verse 13 Jesus asks: “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand
any parable?”
This seems to imply that the understanding of this particular parable is absolutely
fundamental in the understanding of all His other teachings. He is implicitly stating that if
there is a lack of openness when reading a passage of scripture, the true meaning of a
passage will always remain a mystery. Only when we approach the Bible with a sincere
willingness to change our opinions and attitudes, Godly revelation can take place. God’s
Word does not want to be controlled by us. We should not attempt to manipulate and
control the text, because the Word does not belong to us. It is God’s Word and His alone!
Our Creator wants to use His Word to transform us, to re-create us. This means that – if we
are interested in really understanding the Bible - we have to listen to our opponents as well and to intently study those parts of the Bible that are important to them. Whosoever has ears must listen, not selectively, but to the entire Word.
This parable is especially important because Christ implies that the willingness to listen
precedes the content of the Scriptures. We can know the content of the Bible off by heart,
but if our soul is in a poor condition, we will not simply not hear what we should and we will
miss Christ’s intention. Someone once said:
“Intent precedes content”
That is exactly what Jesus was trying to communicate in Mark 4. Your intentions, your
purpose with the Word ought to be addressed first before you delve into the content. This
“before” is not necessarily meant chronologically. It does however imply that while we read
the Bible, we should constantly examine our hearts, postpone our judgement regarding the
possible meaning of the text and not jump to any conclusions.
I should carefully reflect and ask God to change my tumultuous heart and to redirect my
preconceived mind.
“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear!”