Mark 4:1-34; Kingdom Growth

Sermon in a sentence: God uses small means to bring about great kingdom growth.

Jesus Used Discipleship (vs. 1-9)

Jesus used parables, preaching, and practice with his disciples.

In other words, Jesus was using life lessons, didactic preaching, and leadership.

The church ought to be a place of discipleship!

Jesus Used Parables (vs. 10-34)

Jesus purposefully used parables as a judgement upon the Jews and a blessing upon the Gentiles. (vs. 10-12 & 21-25) (Isaiah 6:9-10, Matthew 4:15-17; 12:18-21, Acts 2:22-23)

Matthew 4:12–16 12 Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15  “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,

the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—

16  the people dwelling in darkness

have seen a great light,

and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,

on them a light has dawned.”

Matthew 12:18–21 ESV

18 “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; 20 a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; 21 and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

Acts 2:22–23 ESV

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.

Jesus used parables to teach his disciples practical lessons. (vs. 14-19)

As a warning to his disciples of the devil (v. 14)

our circumstances (vs. 16-17)

and desires (vs. 18-19).

Jesus also used the parables encourage his disciples. (vs. 20, 21-22, 26-29, & 30-32)

The kingdom often grows through very small and ordinary means.

This has huge eschatological implications.