Parables

MARK 4:1-34

Introduction:  The first three chapters of Mark picture Jesus as a miracle worker.  His miracles draw some people and repulse others.  The crowds are large, but the disciples are few.  Why is that?  Jesus knew.  Chapter 4 was placed here to answer that question.

I. Definitions      

    A. Parable

         1. Metaphoric story

         2. We must always remember that a parable is not the same as an allegory (very rarely used in the Bible, if at all). In an allegory, every detail has some spiritual significance, while in a parable much of the detail may not be important; it is the story as a whole which conveys the message.  New Bible Commentary

         3. Why?  vs. 11-12, 21-25

             a. Hid the meaning from the uninterested

             b. Reveal the truth (mystery - not something which is difficult to understand, but a truth formerly hidden and now revealed. Erdman) to those who want to know

                 1) The intention is to give light, like a lamp

                                       2) The receivers of the parable are responsible to understand. Four times He said, Listen or pay attention.

    B. Kingdom of God  - reign of God

II. Parable of sower  vs. 1-9, 13-20

    A. Not about the sower, but about the soils

    B. Hard-hearted

    C. Shallow-hearted

    D. Mixed-hearted

    E. Good-hearted

    F. If people did not believe what Jesus taught, the problem was not in the sower (Jesus) nor in the seed (word), but in their hearts.

         1. Is this true today?

         2. Why do churches blame preachers for lack of growth?

    G. Which kind of soil (heart) are you?

III. Parables of growth   vs. 26-32

    A. First parable is unique to Mark      vs. 26-29

         1. Depicts three periods in farming (Erdman)

             a. Faithful sowing

             b. Patient waiting

             c. Joyful reaping

         2. The reign of God in an individual does not grow by planning or programs of the church or the person, but in natural ways known only to God.

         3. The reign of God in a city or area grows when the seed is scattered (word is taught).  God will see that it produces.  It may take time (maybe years), but a day of reaping will come.

    B. Parable of mustard seed   vs. 30-32

         1. Starts small, ends up large

         2. Reign of God in your life will start small, but finally it will control your whole life

         3. Reign of God in the world started small (Jesus), but look at the millions of Christians since Jesus’ life on earth. 

Conclusion:  Let’s conclude with some personal applications.  What kind of soil are you?  Do you quit every time a problem comes along?  Are you divided between Jesus and the world so that you are not producing anything?  Where are you in your spiritual growth?  Just sprouted, growing the plant, or producing the grain? 

Plaisance Church.  ECD, Guyana.  May 30, 2004.  PM.