In Mark 3:23, Jesus introduced the concept of teaching with parables. In Mark 4, Jesus teaches a large crowd gathered on the seashore four parables beginning with the Parable of the Sower. His purpose was to reveal truth to those who were ready to receive it (Mark 4:11) and to conceal truth to those who would have rejected it (4:11, 12). If we are to understand the parables, we need to be ready to receive it and to respond with obedience.