Definition: And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 4:10. It’s a really important and relatively short story! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Jesus teaching a group of his disciples about a difficult situation. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And when he was alone…” - Jesus is teaching, and he’s doing it on his own. It’s a quiet moment, focused on the message. “…they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.” – This means the disciples (the twelve people Jesus had with him) were present. They were listening intently. The word "asked" means they were asking questions. “The parable” - This is the key part! A parable is a story used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson. It’s a narrative that uses an ordinary event to illustrate a deeper truth. So, what's the parable? The exact details are debated among scholars, but the most common understanding is this: Jesus tells a story about a traveler who was lost in the desert. He asks his disciples to imagine he's traveling through the desert and he gets completely lost. He then uses this lost state to teach them about three important things: 1. Faith & Trust: The traveler doesn’t have a map or guide. He has to rely on his own faith and trust that someone will help him. 2. The Importance of Asking for Help: Even when you're in a difficult situation, it's okay to ask for assistance. It's better to seek guidance than to struggle alone. 3. Jesus is Always with Us: Even when we're lost or facing challenges, Jesus is always there, guiding and providing help. Why is this important? This parable shows that Jesus doesn’t just give us answers; He gives us a way to find those answers – through faith, seeking help, and trusting in God’s presence. In short: Jesus uses a story to teach his disciples about the importance of faith, asking for help, and knowing that he's always with them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Provide different interpretations of the parable? Connect it to a specific theme or idea (like forgiveness or overcoming challenges)?