It is so easy to see everything through the lens of 21st century thought. Remember who Jesus was speaking to. Illiterate (mostly) Jewish peasants.
The rabbis of the time used parables extensively. You didn’t seriously think that Jesus completely invented a new way of speaking to the people, did you?
A parable is a word-picture which uses an image or story to illustrate a truth or lesson. It creates a mini-drama in picture language that describes the reality being illustrated. It shows a likeness between the image of an illustration and the object being portrayed. It defines the unknown by using the known. It helps the listener to discover the deeper meaning and underlying truth of the reality being portrayed. It can be a figure of speech or comparison, such as “the kingdom of God ..is like a mustard seed ..or like yeast” (Luke 13:19, 21). More commonly it is a short story told to bring out a lesson or moral. Jesus used simple stories or images to convey important truths about God and his kingdom, and lessons pertaining to the way of life and happiness which God has for us. They commonly feature examples or illustrations from daily life in ancient Palestine, such as mustard seeds and fig trees, wineskins and oil lamps, money and treasure, stewards, workers, judges, and homemakers, wedding parties and children’s games. Jesus’ audience would be very familiar with these illustrations of everyday life. Today we have to do some “homework” to understand the social customs described.
Jesus’ parables have a double meaning. First, there is the literal meaning, apparent to anyone who has experience with the subject matter. But beyond the literal meaning lies a deeper meaning — a beneath-the-surface lesson about God’s truth and his kingdom. For example, the parable of the leaven (see Matthew 13:33) describes the simple transformation of dough into bread by the inclusion of the yeast. In like manner, we are transformed by God’s kingdom when we allow his word and Spirit to take root in our hearts. And in turn we are called to be leaven that transforms the society in which we live and work. Jerome, an early church father and biblical scholar remarked: “The marrow of a parable is different from the promise of its surface, and like as gold is sought for in the earth, the kernel in a nut and the hidden fruit in the prickly covering of chestnuts, so in parables we must search more deeply after the divine meaning.”
Jesus’ parables often involve an element of surprise or an unexpected twist. We are taken off guard by the progression of the story. The parable moves from the very familiar and understandable aspects of experience to a sudden turn of events or a remarkable comparison which challenges the hearer and invites further reflection. For example, why should a shepherd go through a lot of bother and even risk his life to find one lost sheep when ninety-nine are in his safe keeping? The shepherd’s concern for one lost sheep and his willingness to risk his own life for it tells us a lot about God’s concern for his children.
Jesus told his disciples that not everyone would understand his parables. To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not hear (Luke 8:10). Did Jesus mean to say that he was deliberately confusing his listeners? Very likely not. Jesus was speaking from experience. He was aware that some who heard his parables refused to understand them. It was not that they could not intellectually understand them, but rather, their hearts were closed to what Jesus was saying. They had already made up their minds to not believe. God can only reveal the secrets of his kingdom to the humble and trusting person who acknowledges the need for God and for his truth. The parables of Jesus will enlighten us if we approach them with an open mind and heart, ready to let them challenge us.
Do your homework, Dr. E. Jesus faced some hostility in the crowds; He had to illustrate His teachings in such a way that they would be remembered, savoured and slowly understood by the people. Ever been to a scientific lecture? Dry, dull, boring and eminently forgettable.
Compare that to a good presenter - Wayne Dyer, Tony Robbins and that sort (not that I agree with their points of view, but they both have a very good presentation style) who illustrate their points in colour, with stories and verbal illustrations in order that people will remember them better.
We are the same humans that existed 2000 years ago, except that now we have physical and electronic print. They didn’t. Those are the only allowances that we need to make. They weren’t any stupider or less intelligent than we are. They just didn’t have some of the tools that we do.
Because he who actually HEARS the word of God with ears given by God WILL ACTUALLY understand and be saved.
Did Jesus say "unto all it is given to know the kingdom of God?"
No, He did not. Read the text. It says nothing about safety or politics.
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them." -- Mark 4:10-12 "And when he (Jesus) was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
Read the text. Jesus DOES NOT say He's speaking in parables so He's not done in by political forces. He says explicitly He speaks in parables so that not all will understand Him," and be converted and their sins should be forgiven them."
Time and again Jesus takes every opporunity to tell us He is speaking only to His sheep about His sheep. You're missing the great Christian assurance of God's perfect plan of redemption, Mark. Would that you had eyes to see it.