The Purpose of the Parables (MRK 4:10-12)

[4:10] When Jesus was alone, some of those who had heard him came to him with the twelve disciples and asked him to explain the parables.

[4:11] “You have been given the secret of the Kingdom of God,” Jesus answered. “But the others, who are on the outside, hear all things by means of parables,

[4:12] so that, ‘They may look and look, yet not see; they may listen and listen, yet not understand. For if they did, they would turn to God, and he would forgive them.’”