The Gospel of Mark The "small" Superpower
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Jesus' Ministry of Parables in
Jesus' Ministry of Parables in
Seed & Soils- expounded by Jesus himself. vv.1-20
Soil: The soil responding
Hiding a lamp = not sowing the seed (seed=Jesus/the Word) vv. 21-25
Sower:
The sower's responsibility- Do the sowing-God does the convincing vv. 26-29
Seed:
The Character of the seed- Small in size but overpowering in the hand of God vv. 30-32
Warnings in this chapter (v.12, vv. 33-34).
Warnings in this chapter (v.12, vv. 33-34).
He spoke in parables so some would not hear the truth and be further condemned because they ignored it.
He spoke in parables so some would not hear the truth and be further condemned because they ignored it.
He spoke in parable because some were looking for ways to entrap and persecute him.
He spoke in parable because some were looking for ways to entrap and persecute him.
But, he explains these to his followers. (v.34)
But, he explains these to his followers. (v.34)
The "small" Superpower The Parable of the Mustard Seed vv. 30-32
The "small" Superpower The Parable of the Mustard Seed vv. 30-32
The Ant-Man (2015)
The Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
Ultra powers that are unbelievable- this dynamic of big things from small sources was created by God, not Marvel publishing
The Parable of the Mustard Seed vv. 30-32
Smaller of all the seeds (v. 31)
Smaller of all the seeds (v. 31)
31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth.
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The church started scared and weak, hovering in a room in Jerusalem
Jesus the head of the church came as a weak baby in a small town in a stable for animals
His early followers were uneducated laborers mostly given little standing or respect.
God surprises the smart ones all the time by using the "weak" things.
What people tend to discount, God tends to exalt.
When you look at you, what do you see?
Is it possible that God can use you in a mighty way?
27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
This doesn’t mean you are weak or foolish in God’s eyes, but rather the world looks upon you and misjudges your worth.
1 cor 1 27,
19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”
1 cor 1:19
Larger of all the garden plants (v.32a)
Larger of all the garden plants (v.32a)
32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
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The kingdom of heaven will grow much bigger than one would expect when seeing its beginning.
Though mustard is not technically a tree, it can grow to a height of from six to ten feet and support birds.
It grows to be larger than any other herbs, growing higher than a man can reach.
God’s work can grow beyond all our expectations if Christians obey God’s teachings.
The church is in the business of exceeding expectations.
Why do we grow?
To glory in our "bigness"?
Or
To serve God more widely and effectively?
12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Weaker find refuge in it (v.32b)
Weaker find refuge in it (v.32b)
32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Weaker find refuge in it (v.32b)
It is so small as to be insignificant, but it eventually produces a plant so large that the birds of the air take refuge in its shade.
This parable contrasts a small and unexpected beginning with a much larger conclusion.
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The church reaches out to the weak.
Littlest of these
The church reaches out to the weak.
We grow not for our glory but to be able to serve the weakest in our community.
Pure religion is ministry to the small and weak.
27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Not weak as in “less than”, but weak as in needing assistance.
Not weak as in less than, by needing help. (some did, some didn't. My grandmother didn't want or need it.) "I'm not that kind of grandmother.
(some did, some didn't. My grandmother didn't want or need it.) "I'm not that kind of grandmother.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
“If you really believe in something and it’s really important, you will tell others about it—even if it means you will suffer for it. You do it because you love them.” Adam, a believer in West Africa
“If you really believe in something and it’s really important, you will tell others about it—even if it means you will suffer for it. You do it because you love them.” Adam, a believer in West Africa
Caring for one another is the essence of Jesus’ command to love one another as much as we love ourselves.
Caring for one another is the essence of Jesus’ command to love one another as much as we love ourselves.
This parable contrasts a small and unexpected beginning with a much larger consummation.
Take this with you...
Take this with you...
How small and insignificant do I feel?
Do I believe God can me you to do mighty things in His Kingdom?
Small beginnings are not an indication of future usefulness.
Do I understand my “smallness” can be used and that I will see its full impact one day in Heaven?