7. OTHER NOT Mark 4:33-34 (Matthew 13:34-35) 33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it;--As they were able to comprehend it. They were weak in spiritual knowledge, and he was obliged to lead them along cautiously, and by degrees to a full understanding of the plan of salvation. Jesus taught according to ability or capacity for receiving instruction--not according to age, but according to advancement--according to ability to receive instruction. The apostles adapted their teaching to the capacities of their hearers. 34 and without a parable spake he not unto them:--Jesus spoke all that which he taught on that occasion in parables, and "without a parable" on that occasion, "spake he not unto them." but privately to his own disciples he expounded all things. --When Jesus and the disciples were alone, he explained in detail the parables. He showed them more at length the spiritual meaning of all his parables.