Why Did Jesus Intentionally Confuse People?

From Curiously Kaitlyn by Kaitlyn Schiess

March 31, 2026 · 35 min

About this episode

Kaitlyn and Mike explore why Jesus seemed to intentionally confuse people in his teachings, particularly in Mark 4, discussing the implications for understanding scripture and God's intentions.

Ever read something Jesus said and thought… wait, was that supposed to make sense? One young listener asks why Jesus seemed to intentionally confuse people in Mark 4, and it turns out she's stumbled onto one of the hardest passages in the Gospels. Kaitlyn and Mike dig into the parable of the sower, Jesus' surprising quote from Isaiah, and whether God actually wants some people not to understand. They also wrestle with a tension many of us feel: why doesn't God just make everything clearer? The answer has less to do with intelligence and more to do with relationship, trust, and timing. 0:00 - Theme Song 1:15 - Why Does Jesus Confuse People? 2:45 - Mark 4 10:19 - Old Testament God 18:44 - Sponsor - Blueland - For 15% off first order of Blueland cleaning products, go to this link: https://www.blueland.com/CURIOUSLY 20:00 - Sponsor - Blissy - Pure mulberry silk pillow cases—hypoallergenic, naturally cooling, and recommended by dermatologists! Go to https://www.blissy.com/KAITLYN and use code KAITLYN to get 30% off! 21:22 - Truth Must Be Revealed 28:55 - Truth is Deep 34:54 - End Credits

People in this episode

Host: Kaitlyn Schiess

Guest: Mike

Topics covered

Jesus' teachings
parables
understanding scripture
relationship with God
trust and timing

Keywords

Jesus
confusion
Mark 4
parables
God
understanding
trust
relationship

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Blueland cleaning products, Pure mulberry silk pillow cases

Books & works: Mark 4, Old Testament

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