Mark Vol. 1 - Week 11 (4:1-20)
Mark 4:1-20
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Mark 4:1-20
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Mark 4:1-20 〰️ Mark 4:1-20 〰️
This week, we're jumping into the fourth chapter of the book of Mark, beginning with verses 1 to 20. This week's passage takes a slightly different turn from the previous verses, with Jesus now teaching in parables. Parables are generally considered tools, using earthly metaphors to teach Kingdom concepts. Every analogy breaks down at some point, so searching for hidden or deeper meaning in every detail will leave us more confused or in an entirely different place than intended. Most of Jesus' parables have a meaning for us right at, or just below, the surface. Searching for meaning in every word used or for implications beyond the immediate context is where we can get into hot water and cause more unnecessary confusion.
Thankfully, in verses 10-12, Jesus explains the purpose of using parables when teaching. He tells them He is using parables to teach His close followers while not broadcasting the meaning to those opposing him, such as the Pharisees, scribes, and Romans. We saw in Mark 3:6 that the religious leaders were planning to kill Him because of His ministry, so it shouldn't surprise us to read that Jesus doesn't want them to have more ammunition in their campaign against Him. Up to this point, Jesus had given clear instructions to many that they should not publicly disclose His performing of miracles. We also read that this didn't work, and He began to gain notoriety for performing miracles and casting out demons (1:43-45). Now that the Pharisees and scribes were carefully watching him (3:2), Jesus spoke in parables so they wouldn't understand His teaching. At this point, the Pharisees were already angry with His teaching of a new way to the Father (3:6). Jesus knew that any more public and blatant teachings of the new Kingdom would anger them further.
This brings us to "the parable of the sower" or, more accurately, "the parable of the soil." [1] In this parable, Jesus clarifies that he is not impressed with the large crowds following him. He knew most of them would not produce fruit like the fourth soil. As with anything, most words fall on deaf ears or ears that appear to listen but produce no fruit. Jesus teaches that when we share the gospel (spreading seeds), it's not up to us to ensure the seeds grow. Notice that in the parable and in His explanation in vv13-20, Jesus doesn't talk about how the sower's lack of faith or ability to spread seed is the downfall of the seeds in the soil. Instead, it's the condition of the soil itself that determines whether there will be growth, health, and fruit in the long term. We can take comfort in this, knowing that we can't do the work of the Holy Spirit in preparing hearts to hear the gospel. Ultimately, we can't save people; only Jesus can. We are given the call to share the gospel and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) by spreading seed wherever we can.
Discussion Questions
What stood out to you from the passage?
Does anything in this passage remind you of another part of Scripture?
Do you have any questions?
In this passage, Jesus talks about the different kinds of soil rather than the ability or quality of the sower. What does that tell us about how we share the gospel with others?
Do you ever feel responsible for the salvation of others? Why or why not?
Do you think that feeling comes from the Holy Spirit or somewhere else?
Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Who does this passage say is responsible for salvation?
Why do you think we tend to feel responsible for the "soil" of others?
What are some "worries of this age" (v19) that come to mind?
Let's close our time together by reading Matthew 6:25-34.
1. Daniel L. Akin, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Mark (Brentwood, TN: Holman Publishers, 2014), 87.