Otherwise

Mark 4:10-12 (NIV)
¹⁰ When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables.
¹¹ He told them, "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables
¹² so that, "'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'"

Some may struggle at this passage, which seems to end with Jesus appearing to say that not everyone is offered the gift of mercy, that there are some souls He is not interested in saving. That idea is contrary to the mission and purpose of the gospel. He came for all, with special affection and compassion for those on the outside, the outcasts in the eyes of men. So what are we to make of this statement in verse 12 which seems to exclude some of the lost?

I think Jesus is describing people who are not seeking God, who are indifferent or hostile to His gospel, and who have grown dull and hardened in their thinking. Teaching in parables does not cause their lack of perceiving or understanding. When Jesus taught in the synagogues, His teaching was not described as given in parables. He withdrew into the countryside when it was no longer safe to speak directly and explain scripture. It was not time for Him to be taken. There was still much to be taught before He would willingly sacrifice Himself for our sins. The resurrection would become the ultimate truth and confirmation that He truly is the Son of God, given for the world.

Jesus wept before He entered Jerusalem, saying that that God long held out His hand of forgiveness to Israel, but time after time it was rejected. As He looked in love on His beloved city He thought if only they would turn to Him, even now, He would forgive and welcome them in His arms.

But that was not to be the case. They would see and hear God Incarnate, but without perceiving or understanding. The path to the cross would not be obstructed or deterred.

I think you would agree that no one understands the mind of God. His timing and plan seem mysterious to us. At times we may even despair and cry out in our frustration and pain. His ways are not our ways. But I believe in a loving and just God, one that leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for the one sheep that is lost, and that answers all who seek Him. The parables were spoken to allow the truth of the gospel to be placed before man to prepare the way for His kingdom. They speak to our hearts today as we seek Him. He sought us first. God enables the otherwise to be an option, which is life through His Son.