Parable 6

The Harvest

Parable 6

Mark 4:26–29 NLT

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”

Having a Garden.

I really enjoy this.

Fresh tomato from the garden.

Cucumbers – squash – Green Beans – Sweet Corn –

I’m thinking tilling the garden spot now and plant some cabbage now.

They the cooler weather.

School project

Children will plant some seed in a cup.

Green beans are a favorite.

To show how seeds germinate.

The purpose of this is to teach children and adults about how things grow.

Mark 4:28 NLT

The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.

This seems second nature to us.

But we can still marvel at the wonder of it.

There is a powerful lesson in this parable

Here are 3

The Kingdom Begins with Simple Obedience. (v:26)

Understanding the Context

You will notice most of these are farming related

1st century society was built on agriculture.

Farming today is out of reach for most of us.

We simply go to the grocery store.

When farmers plant today it’s on a big scale.

Planting a garden in a better metaphor.

The Farmer Sows the Seed.

Mark 4:26 NLT

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.

Simply scattering seed.

The parallel for the church is simple.

God has called us to faithful share the gospel.

It’s that the preaches job. NO

Here’s what not to do.

Guilt trip someone.

Manipulate them.

An invitation

Salvation is simple but someone must show them.

Romans 10:14 CEV

How can people have faith in the Lord and ask him to save them, if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?

Here’s what to do.

Plant seed = discipleship

Show kindness = in a world of hate fighting bickering, kindness can go a long way.

Live in obedience. Nobody is perfect but…

Telling dirty jokes?

Our role as farmers is obedience not outcome.

1 Corinthians 3:6–7 NLT

I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.

The seeds you plant.

Can have an impact for generations.

The Kingdom Grows in God’s Timing (v:27-28a)

Germination

That seed can last for years.

But the moment you put that seed in the soil and add some water.

Growth happens.

In God’s Hands

The farmer plants and waters, But God gives the growth.

I would go out in the garden to see if anything has sprouted.

You don’t plant a seed, and it immediately sprouts.

We may not see immediate results, but God is always at work.

Mark 4:28 NLT

The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.

God’s work often follows a process: small beginnings, slow development, then a full harvest.

Don’t be discouraged when spiritual growth or church ministry feels slow — growth takes time.

Trust God with the process.

The Kingdom Will Reach Its Fullness (v.29)

Harvest

Wednesday Night Bible Study

The Millennial Kingdom

Did you know that an angel (Micheal the archangel) will throw Satan in the bottomless pit and lock him up.  Along with his demons.

Someday all this sorrow and hurt and grief and worry will be over.

We live in God’s Kingdom now but not fully realize.

One day the harvest will come.

Mark 4:29 NLT

And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”

The greatest encouragement

What God is doing in your life will not be wasted.

Even if you don’t see fruit now, a harvest is coming.

I married a couple many years ago.

A practical application

Keep sowing

- with your words, your witness, your prayers.

Keep trusting

– even when you don’t see growth.

Keep hoping

– because the harvest will come.