Welcome to Week 4 of our study in the Gospel of Mark, where we are learning about the identity and mission of Jesus. The first eight weeks are on his identity. Who does Mark show Jesus to be?
This week comes to Mark chapter 4, where we encounter Jesus teaching in parables. We just finished a study on the parables of Jesus, so some of this is familiar ground, but perhaps with a fresh approach. However, rather than focusing on the meaning of each parable, we will be considering what that parable tells us about the one who gives it. The chapter concludes with a story about Jesus calming a storm, which has interesting connections back to the prophet Jonah. Let’s get started!
Study notes by Mark Lautenschlager, prayer guides by Tracy Lautenschlager.
Index to Days 2 through 5
Day 1
The Sower
Observe
Today’s passage is the Parable of the Sower. We’ve covered this recently in personal worship, podcast, and message series. If you didn’t hear the sermon or the podcast on this parable and you would like a discussion on the four types of soil, you can find Week Three of the series He Gave Us Stories in the sermon library on website and app. In our Out of Water Podcast you can listen to Episode 142A and 142B for a two-part discussion of the parable from that perspective. Today, however, we’re not talking about the soil, but the sower.
{Mark 4:1-20 ESV} {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.”
{1 Peter 3:15-16 ESV} {15} but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, {16} having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
{2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV} {14} But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
When he explains this parable, Jesus says the seed represents the word. The sower casts the word over all four surfaces and not just the ground that had been prepared by the farmer for planting. Isn’t that a waste of seed? Maybe not. What if the seed has value, no matter where it is spread. What if there is value in the word being set before the world even when they don’t believe? (I’m sure that just brought up images of crazed-looking street preachers wearing sandwich boards proclaiming “The End is Near!” but that’s not what I’m suggesting.) Followers of Jesus strive to live according to what is written in the word, which can lead to doing things that are unusual in our society. Kindness, generosity, honesty, and generally caring about others will get you noticed. Does this mean you should quote scripture in response to everything? No. Use your own sensibilities about that. But when it’s appropriate, it can make an impact to let another person know what motivates you. Will any of this lead to an opening for the gospel? I don’t know. It depends on what kind of soil they are.
- What are some examples of ways you have changed in your relationships with others because of reading God’s word?
- If followers of Christ were open about the importance of God’s word in their own lives, what benefit might that bring?
Dear Jesus, I pray that you will make me a sower of your Word. I confess that I often don’t spend the time in scripture that I should, and so I respond to circumstances and problems with nothing but my own experience and the wisdom of the world. Your word is true and powerful! Draw me to scripture each day, and bring it to my mind throughout my day. Then, Lord, prompt me to speak it when I see that you are at work around me. Amen.
Day 2
The Lightbringer
Observe
The purpose of light is to dispel darkness and enable us to see. Jesus says in this parable that the light will eventually make all hidden things known and reveal all secrets. Which is true even for those who never see the light in this life, because eventually we all will stand before God in the Judgment, and then all will be revealed to everyone.
{Mark 4:21-25 ESV} {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.”
{John 8:12 ESV} {12} Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
{2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV} {6} For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
{Ephesians 5:13-14 ESV} {13} But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, {14} for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
{Psalm 119:130 ESV} {130} The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.
Jesus brings light to a darkened world. That’s a familiar phrase around church, isn’t it? But what does it mean? Darkness hides and covers, it obscures vision and prevents people from seeing what is before them. In the Bible, darkness represents the grave and death. In life, spiritual darkness blinds people to the truth. Jesus is the light that utterly dispels darkness. Every shadow of it is gone. When Jesus enters someone’s life, their eyes are opened, they can see themselves for who they truly are and recognize what they need, and they can see the Son of God provides forgiveness and salvation they can’t find anywhere else. Then, through his indwelling Holy Spirit, God continues to shine light where it is needed, dispelling darkness so we can see what he wants to reveal.
- What did the light illuminate to you that caused you to find Jesus?
- What examples can you think of from your life since then where the Spirit has illuminated something God wanted to reveal?
Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing your light to my darkened heart. I was blind, yes, to my own sin and to your gift of salvation, but I was also afraid in that darkness. I could not see your plan for my life, and that left me in fear that my life might have no meaning. The light of your salvation brings warmth and the hope of new growth. I know that your plan will not always be clear, but I know that your light will illuminate my path for each step. Let me reflect your light as I walk, and thank you for leading me out of the fear and darkness. Amen.
Day 3
The Life-bringer
Observe
In this parable, Jesus says that the growth of the kingdom of God is a mystery. We do not cause it, we cannot see it, and we might not even know when it happens. But we should always be ready for the harvest.
{Mark 4:26-29 ESV} {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.”
{John 15:5 ESV} {5} I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
{Colossians 2:6-7 ESV} {6} Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, {7} rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Here is a fundamental truth: God builds the church. I can hear some of you now, shaking your heads and saying “Well of course he does, who would say anything else?” But is that how we live? Do we design programs and campaigns that target specific demographics and appeal to a certain audience, relying on slick packaging and high quality delivery to win them to us? Or do we keep bringing people to Jesus, lifting him up, letting him speak through the word, and allow him to grow the seeds into a plant? This doesn’t mean we don’t strive for excellence. When you read the Old Testament and see how God commanded Israel to worship, you see that he wants us to bring our best to him, and not some half-hearted shambles. Don’t worry, God always knows what we have and what we are capable of, and he spots true worship even amidst modest elements. The point is, it’s not programs or well produced study materials or exciting Sunday services that bring life and growth. Jesus does that! We do our very best in all those things because God wants our best, but we should never lose sight of who the Life-bringer truly is.
- What are some ways you see our church trying to bring people to Jesus, as opposed to just getting good attendance at a meeting?
- What does growing in Jesus do for you that becoming a veteran of any specific program or ministry cannot?
Father God, This picture of you growing your kingdom from seeds, hidden, scattered, and invisible, is not familiar to me. I live in a city, far from fields or wheat and vineyards, but I have been surprised to find, even in this city, thriving trees, lush gardens, lakes and wildlife. The seeds of your kingdom are being planted and your church is growing, even in the most unlikely places. Lead our church, lead me, to tend this garden of people in need in our city. I will give you all the glory. Amen.
Day 4
The Magnifier
Observe
If you were planting a garden for herbs and aromatics, you were always careful where you sowed the mustard seeds. So tiny that they look like grains of sand, they grow into a shrub that’s more tree than garden plant.
{Mark 4:30-34 ESV} {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.
{Deuteronomy 7:7 ESV} {7} It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples,
{1 Corinthians 3:4-7 ESV} {4} For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? {5} What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. {6} I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. {7} So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
{1 Corinthians 4:1-2 ESV} {1} This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. {2} Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
The kingdom of God had seemingly insignificant and weak beginnings, but there is a day coming in which the kingdom will be revealed in glory and power to cover the whole earth! Yet, even before that glorious future, there is a lesson for our present time. Jesus will take what we have, and who we are, and magnify them to bring God glory. The most important attribute of a servant is being faithful. When we set out to do something because we believe it’s God’s will, we can be sure that Jesus the great magnifier will be with us. If we are faithful, he will bring the yield.
A word about outcomes: Certainly, all this seems to presume that every venture undertaken as being God’s will inevitably succeeds. But we all know that isn’t true, right? What do we say to bad outcomes, even outright failure? We say that God is still in control. Perhaps our understanding of God’s will wasn’t correct. It happens sometimes. Perhaps it wasn’t the right time. Or maybe, for some other reason that has nothing at all to do with us, God had a different outcome in mind. He is still sovereign. Whatever happens, happens because he causes it or allows it. But, in either case, no matter what the outcome, don’t allow a small beginning to discourage you. Jesus is the one who magnifies!
- Can you think of an example from the Bible where God took a faithful servant, perhaps even after many years of disappointment, and magnified the outcome of their faithfulness, bringing glory to himself?
- Can you think of an example from your own experience where you’ve seen God make something amazing out of small beginnings? What was it?
Dear Lord, It can be hard to keep working towards a goal that I never seem to reach. I feel impatient and frustrated, and I wonder why others make more progress than me. Your redemption of this world is the work of ages, yet you are patient. You have asked generations of believers, even me, to come and be a worker for you. Thank you for calling me! But I see, Lord, that the work is yours, and the results come by your will, not by my effort. Help me to be content to be a faithful worker for you. Amen.
Day 5
The Greater Prophet
Observe
What have we learned about who Jesus is this week? We’ve learned he sows his word throughout the world, he shines a light that dispels all darkness, he brings life and growth to the kingdom of God, and he magnifies things that start tiny into great outcomes. Today we have the story of Jesus calming the storm.
{Mark 4:35-41 ESV} {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?”
{Leviticus 9:22-24 ESV} {22} Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them, and he came down from offering the sin offering and the burnt offering and the peace offerings. {23} And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out they blessed the people, and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. {24} And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the pieces of fat on the altar, and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.
{Leviticus 10:1-3 ESV} {1} Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. {2} And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. {3} Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.'” And Aaron held his peace.
If you have not watched the preceding video from Watermark Gospel, please do so for context on today’s meditation.
What Mark wants us to know from the story (which isn’t a parable, of course) is that Jesus is God. Jonah had the crew on his boat sacrifice him so the storm would cease, because only God can stop the storm. Jesus calms the storm with a word. No need for any sacrifice because Jonah’s God was there! Jesus, God in the flesh, would go on to sacrifice himself also. An infinitely valuable sacrifice to wash away the sins of his people. Something once again only God could do. It’s common for skeptics today to say “Jesus never claimed to be God.” (That’s false, by the way, as there are multiple places where he did just that.) When Mark shows Jesus doing what only God can do, over and over, that settles the question. Jesus is Almighty God and we should never lose the wonder of that! Consider some of the lyrics from today’s song (God Forbid by Point of Grace):
The more I know your power, lord
The more I’m mindful
How casually we speak and sing your name
How often we have come to you
With no fear or wonder
And called upon you only for what we stand to gain
God forbid, that I find you so familiar
That I think of you as less than who you are
God forbid, that I should speak of you at all
Without a humble reverence in my heart
God forbid
- Some of us raised in church-attending families may never have considered Jesus in any context other than being the Son of God, but if that’s not your story and you had some time to form your own opinion of who Jesus was, what did you come up with?
- Jesus draws his people near and wants to have a personal, intimate relationship with each one, which is a wonderful truth. Can that intimacy have an effect on how well we keep perspective that Jesus is also the infinite, all-powerful God who speaks worlds into existence?
Dear Jesus, You are the only true prophet, the God-man, who came to die for my sins and the sins of all your people. You are the one who defeated death. It is a wonder that, because of your sacrifice, my sin does not separate us and I can meet you here in prayer. You know my every thought and fear. You collect all my tears. You sing over me. But do not let me forget the wonder of your power. You are the mighty God and I will praise you forever! Amen.