1 Again he began to teach beside the sea. And a very large crowd gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat in it on the sea, and the whole crowd was beside the sea on the land.
2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them:
3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.
4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.
5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil.
6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away.
7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.
8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
9 And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
10 And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
11 And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables,
12 so that “they may indeed see but not perceive,
and may indeed hear but not understand,
lest they should turn and be forgiven.”
13 And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
14 The sower sows the word.
15 And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them.
16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy.
17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.
18 And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word,
19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”
21 And he said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?
22 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.
23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.
25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.
27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.
28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.
30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it?
31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,
32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.
34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”
36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him.
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.
38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”
41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
The True Meaning of Mark 4
The Gospel of Mark was written by John Mark, a companion of the apostle Peter. Mark’s account provides a concise and action-packed narrative of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus teaches the people through parables in this chapter, revealing the mysteries of the kingdom of God. As we delve into these teachings, Jesus addresses the hardness of hearts and the importance of spiritual receptiveness.
The chapter opens with Jesus teaching by the sea, using the parable of the sower to illustrate the different responses people have to the word of God. This parable echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah, who spoke of a people with eyes that see but do not perceive, and ears that hear but do not understand (Isaiah 6:9-10). Jesus then explains the meaning of the parable, highlighting the importance of a heart that is open and receptive to the truth. Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee as the chapter progresses, demonstrating his authority over the natural world. This miracle foreshadows the even greater miracles and wonders that Jesus will perform throughout his ministry, revealing his divine nature and the power of his kingdom.
Mark 4:1-9
Jesus teaches a large crowd gathered on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in Mark 4:1-9. Jesus often used parables to convey his teachings, and here we see him starting with the well-known parable of the sower.
The parable describes a sower scattering seed, with some falling along the path where birds quickly eat it up, some falling on rocky ground where it sprouts but withers due to lack of soil, some among thorns which choke it, and finally some on good soil where it produces a bountiful harvest. There are several layers of symbolism in this parable. The seed represents the word of God, the sower is the one who proclaims it (Jesus, or any individual spreading the word of God), and the different types of soil represent different responses people have to hearing the word of God.
The impact of this parable is profound. It serves as a cautionary tale about the different ways people might respond to the Gospel message. The hardened path represents those who hear but do not understand, allowing the devil to snatch the message away. The rocky ground symbolizes those who initially receive the message with joy, but fall away when faced with challenges or persecution. The thorny soil represents those whose hearts are occupied with worldly concerns, crowding out the message of God. And the good soil represents those who hear, understand, and bear fruit by living out the message in their lives.
This parable challenges the listeners to reflect on the condition of their hearts and how they are receiving and responding to the word of God. It emphasizes the importance of having a receptive heart, free from distractions and obstacles that may hinder the growth of faith. It also highlights the transformative power of the Gospel when received into a willing and fertile heart. This parable of the sower is a recurring theme throughout Jesus’ teachings in the broader context of the Bible. Jesus explains the parable to his disciples in Matthew 13:18-23, underscoring the importance of understanding and bearing fruit from the word. This parable reminds us of the need for humility, openness, and perseverance in our faith journey, as we strive to cultivate hearts that are receptive to the word of God and capable of producing abundant fruits of righteousness.
Mark 4:10-20
Jesus explains the parable of the sower to his disciples in Mark 4:10-20. This passage can be broken down into several key sections that each hold important teachings and insights.
Firstly, Jesus mentions that the secret of the kingdom of God has been given to the disciples, but to those outside, everything is said in parables (Mark 4:11). This shows that there is a distinction between those who have a deeper understanding of God’s kingdom and those who do not. The disciples are privileged to receive insights into the mysteries of God, while others may struggle to comprehend the deeper spiritual truths.
Jesus goes on to explain the different responses to the word of God using the parable of the sower. The sower represents someone who spreads the word of God, and the seed symbolizes the message being sown. The four types of soil – along the path, rocky ground, thorny ground, and good soil – represent the different conditions of people’s hearts when they receive the word. The seed that falls on the path is quickly snatched away by Satan, representing those who do not understand the message. The seed on rocky ground sprouts quickly but withers away, symbolizing those who receive the word with joy but have no root, faltering when faced with tribulation or persecution. The seed among thorns represents those who hear the word but are distracted by worldly concerns and the deceitfulness of riches. Finally, the seed on good soil flourishes and produces a bountiful crop, representing those who hear, understand, and bear fruit, some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundredfold.
The significance of this parable lies in its timeless message about the importance of having a receptive heart to God’s word. It highlights the different ways people respond to the gospel and emphasizes the need for believers to cultivate a heart that is receptive, deep-rooted, and free from distractions. Jesus illustrates that the impact of God’s word in our lives can manifest in different levels of spiritual maturity and productivity by bearing fruit in varying degrees. This parable aligns with other teachings about the condition of one’s heart in receiving God’s word in the broader context of the Bible. Jesus stresses the pivotal role of the heart in determining the outcome of the seed sown in the parable of the soils. This concept is echoed in Proverbs 4:23, which advises, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” The message is clear – the state of our hearts influences how we receive and respond to God’s word, ultimately determining the fruitfulness of our faith. The parable of the sower serves as a foundational lesson on spiritual readiness, receptivity, and fruitfulness overall. It challenges believers to examine their hearts, cultivate a soil that is receptive to God’s word, and bear fruit that glorifies Him, embodying the transformative power of the gospel in their lives.
Mark 4:21-25
Jesus uses the metaphor of a lamp to convey profound spiritual truths to his disciples in Mark 4:21-25. Several important sections in this passage warrant closer examination.
First, Jesus begins by asking the disciples if a lamp is brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed. This rhetorical question serves as a metaphor for the purpose of sharing the light of God with others. Just as a lamp is meant to illuminate a room, the disciples are called to share the teachings of Jesus with the world. This echoes Jesus’ earlier instruction in Matthew 5:14-16, where he tells his followers that they are the light of the world and should let their light shine before others.
Next, Jesus emphasizes that what is hidden will eventually be disclosed and what is concealed will be brought to light. This underscores the idea that nothing remains hidden from God and that truth will ultimately prevail. This is a reminder for the disciples to live with integrity and transparency, knowing that their actions and intentions will ultimately be revealed.
Jesus further encourages the disciples with the message that those who listen to his teachings will receive even more understanding and insight, while those who do not listen will lose even the little understanding they have. This highlights the importance of attentiveness and receptivity to the word of God. Jesus uses the metaphor of seeds falling on different types of soil in Matthew 13:23 to illustrate how people respond differently to his teachings, with some bearing abundant fruit while others do not.
Lastly, Jesus uses a measure of grain – whether a bushel or a smaller container – to illustrate the principle of abundance. Those who give generously of themselves will receive an abundant return, while those who withhold will experience scarcity. This aligns with the overarching biblical theme of sowing and reaping, found in Galatians 6:7-9, where believers are encouraged to sow good deeds in order to reap a bountiful harvest. Jesus urges his disciples in this passage to boldly proclaim the message of the gospel, to live authentically, to remain receptive to divine wisdom, and to be generous in their giving. These timeless teachings continue to resonate with believers today, serving as a guide for living a faithful and fruitful life in accordance with God’s will.
Mark 4:26-29
Jesus shares a parable about the kingdom of God in Mark 4:26-29, using the analogy of a farmer scattering seed and the subsequent growth of the crop. Let’s break down the sections of this verse to truly understand its meaning and implications. Jesus begins by saying, “This is what the kingdom of God is like,” in the first section. A man scatters seed on the ground.” This sets the stage for the parable and establishes the metaphorical connection between the actions of the farmer and the kingdom of God. The act of scattering seed signifies the spreading of the message of the gospel, and the ground represents the hearts of people who receive this message. The seed has the potential to grow and produce fruit, symbolizing the transformative power of God’s word in people’s lives.
Moving on to the next part of the verse, Jesus continues, “Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the mysterious and miraculous nature of the growth process. The farmer’s role is to plant the seed, but the growth itself is a divine work beyond human comprehension. This highlights the sovereignty and power of God in bringing about spiritual growth and transformation in individuals. It also underscores the importance of faith and trust in God’s timing and providence, even when we may not see immediate results or understand the process.
The parable concludes with Jesus stating, “All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” This progression from seed to mature crop illustrates the gradual and transformative nature of spiritual growth. Just as a seed undergoes stages of development before bearing fruit, our faith and spiritual journey also require time, nurturing, and perseverance to mature and produce good fruits. This reminds us of the significance of patience, persistence, and trust in God’s work within us.
Throughout the Bible, the theme of growth, both physically and spiritually, is recurrent. Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 how God brings about the growth in believers, emphasizing that God gives the increase. This echoes the sentiment of the parable in Mark 4, highlighting the essential role of God in the process of nurturing and cultivating faith within individuals. The parable in Mark 4:26-29 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God’s word in our lives and the importance of faith, patience, and trust in His divine work of growth and maturation. Just as the farmer diligently tends to his crop and trusts in the process of growth, we are called to faithfully sow the seeds of God’s word, knowing that He is the one who brings about the growth and fruition in His perfect timing.
Mark 4:30-34
Several important sections in Mark 4:30-34 provide valuable insights into Jesus’ teaching and the nature of the Kingdom of God. The passage begins with Jesus asking, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it?” This query sets the stage for a parable that Jesus uses to explain the concept of the kingdom of God to his disciples and the crowd that had gathered around him.
Jesus then compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which is one of the smallest seeds. Despite its small size, when planted, it grows and becomes one of the largest shrubs, with branches big enough for birds to nest in. This imagery of the mustard seed illustrates the humble and unassuming beginnings of the kingdom of God, which starts small but grows exponentially to provide shelter and support for many. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that the kingdom of God may seem insignificant at first but has the potential for immense impact and growth.
The mention of birds finding shelter in the branches of the mustard shrub can symbolize the inclusion and protection offered by the kingdom of God to those who seek refuge in it. This imagery conveys the message that the kingdom of God is open to all, providing a safe haven for those who come to it in faith. It echoes the idea of God’s inclusive love and grace, welcoming everyone into His kingdom regardless of their background or status.
Jesus concludes this parable by stating that he used such parables to teach the people, adapting his message to their ability to understand. This highlights Jesus’ teaching strategy of using parables, which were simple stories or metaphors drawn from everyday life to convey deeper spiritual truths. Jesus made his teachings accessible to a wide audience by using relatable analogies, ensuring that even those with limited education or understanding could grasp the fundamental principles of the kingdom of God.
This passage in Mark 4:30-34 exemplifies the importance of faith, growth, inclusivity, and the power of God’s kingdom to transform lives. It encourages believers to have faith, even when the beginnings seem small and insignificant, trusting that God’s work will ultimately bear fruit beyond what they can imagine. The message of the mustard seed parable resonates with other biblical teachings, such as the parable of the sower in the same chapter (Mark 4:1-20), which emphasizes the importance of fertile soil (hearts receptive to God’s word) for the growth of the kingdom of God. These interconnected parables collectively convey the transformative power of God’s word and the expansive reach of His kingdom.
Mark 4:35-41
Several key sections in Mark 4:35-41 are significant to unpack. The passage begins with Jesus instructing His disciples to cross to the other side of the sea. This sets the scene for the disciples boarding a boat and Jesus joining them to make the journey. This act of boarding the boat can be seen as symbolic of embarking on a journey or facing a trial or challenge, with Jesus present to guide and protect His followers. This reflects the broader theme in the Bible of God’s presence and protection during difficult times, reminding believers that they are not alone in facing life’s storms. A great storm arose as they journeyed across the sea, causing the waves to break into the boat. The disciples, despite some of them being experienced fishermen, were terrified and believed they were perishing. This event reveals the vulnerability and fear of the disciples in the face of a powerful and life-threatening storm. It is a reminder that even those who have walked closely with Jesus can still face moments of doubt and fear when confronted with overwhelming circumstances. This can also serve as a metaphor for the storms of life that believers may encounter, highlighting the importance of maintaining faith and trust in God’s protection and sovereignty even in the midst of turmoil.
Amidst the chaos of the storm, Jesus was found sleeping in the stern of the boat. The disciples, in their fear, woke Him and cried out for help. Jesus then rebuked the wind and the sea, commanding them to be still, and the storm ceased. This moment showcases Jesus’s authority over the forces of nature, emphasizing His divinity and power. It also serves as a demonstration of Jesus’s care and concern for His followers, as He calms their fears and rescues them from imminent danger. This event echoes similar displays of Jesus’s power over nature in the Bible, such as when He walked on water in Matthew 14:22-33, reinforcing the message of His sovereignty over all creation.
Following the calming of the storm, Jesus questioned the disciples about their faith, asking why they were afraid and if they still had no faith. This interrogation prompts the disciples to reflect on their response to the storm and challenges them to deepen their trust in Jesus. It serves as a call to strengthen their faith and reliance on Him, even in the face of trials and uncertainties. This moment of introspection and correction illustrates the importance of unwavering faith in God, as highlighted throughout the Bible. It echoes passages like Hebrews 11:6, which emphasizes the necessity of faith in pleasing God. Mark 4:35-41 offers valuable insights into the disciples’ journey of faith, their encounter with a life-threatening storm, and Jesus’s demonstration of power, care, and desire for deeper faith in His followers. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of God’s presence in times of trouble, His ability to calm the storms of life, and the call for unwavering faith in Him. It encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and provision, even when faced with challenges that seem insurmountable.
After Mark 4
Jesus teaches the crowds using parables in this chapter, illustrating truths about the Kingdom of God. He explains the purpose of parables and emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding. Jesus also demonstrates His power over nature by calming a storm, showing His disciples that even the wind and waves obey Him. We, as followers of Christ, are called to have faith in Him, trusting that He is in control even in the midst of life’s storms. As we face our own challenges and uncertainties, let us remember the words of Jesus. Just as He calmed the storm for His disciples, He can bring peace and stillness to our hearts. May we have faith like the disciples, believing that nothing is impossible for our Lord. We open our hearts to receive His wisdom and guidance as we continue to journey through the teachings of Jesus, knowing that He is always with us, ready to lead us into the abundant life He has promised.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.