Mark (9)

Introduction: Read mark 4:1-34

Review the connection that chapter four has with entire scope of Mark’s gospel.

Reminder of the role of parables in the teaching of Jesus. Their purpose and usage.

Transition: Since we had a series working through the parables of Jesus not long ago, today we are going to only focus on one of these. In verses 26-29 we find the parable about the growth of the kingdom of God.

Today’s focus: 4:26-29 “Kingdom Growth”

Main Point: In Christ, the kingdom of God will grow to full completion.

Explanation: 1. Jesus is the point of this parable. He is preaching the gospel of the kingdom which includes the reality that it is at hand. How so? Because Jesus is at hand. As seed is scattered and grows so too Jesus has come and will continue to establish His kingdom in spit of any hindrances, or threats that may come against Him. men will rise and sleep. But the kingdom will come to fulfillment because Jesus is at hand!

2. The kingdom of God will grow mysteriously, without human input. (Example of kernel of corn being sufficient to feed a nation.) In the same way, the establishment of God’s rule and reign will grow. He will bring about His purposes in regardless of human effort.

3. The completion of the kingdom of God is certain. In connection with Joel 3:13, which says, .... So to When the time comes, the sickle of Christ will be put to the harvest. Meaning, God’s kingdom will be established exactly as He has sovereignly planned.

Joel 3:13 ESV

Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Go in, tread, for the winepress is full. The vats overflow, for their evil is great.

Transition: Pray, and consider how this truth applies to our hearts individually and as a body of Christ. How does this truth about the kingdom apply to us today? I've jotted down a few points that I think will be helpful in obeying this truth.

Application:

The Kingdom is always growing... even when we are unaware. (27) Sometimes we try hard to share the good new of Christ and it seems that our efforts fall to not. We try hard to invest in the lives of others and help them with the gospel, but it seems like there is not life in their soul. We are well reminded today that regardless of our toil, and toil we should.... that the Lord is always working about His plans even while we sleep. How many times have we heard of....

Our role in the Kingdom of God... is less significant than we are often led to believe. (I Cor 3:5-9)

1 Corinthians 3:5–9 ESV

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.

1. Jesus doesn't need our wit or work to fulfill God’s kingdom will. (John 4:31-38)

John 4:31–38 ESV

Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

b. Our role in God’s kingdom.... is significant while the fields are ripe for harvest. (Luke 10:2)

Luke 10:2 ESV

And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

1. Our confidence to fulfill our role in the Kingdom comes from the Word of God. Is 55:10-11

Isaiah 55:10–11 ESV

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Closing: We should be cautioned to see our role in the Kingdom with the right lenses. However, after repenting of wrong motives we should for the glory of God rise up with great confidence realizing the word of God is sufficient to accomplish the work of God. The seed of God’s word may lay on what seems like dormant soil for years, then all of sudden new life comes and it begins to grow.

Is the Kingdom of God growing in my life?