Read Mark 4 first! https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+4&version=NIV
Jesus has used analogies before in the previous chapter- but now he goes full parable. The parables all are about seeds and soil and the chapter is bookended by stories of Jesus being on the water. In the beginning Jesus is speaking to people from the water in the boat. At the end of the chapter- he speaks to the stormy water from the boat and the water listens. Mark started with John’s baptism- our lives of faith often being with God’s word connected with baptism- water is earthly stuff connected with the divine Word- so it makes sense that Mark would use that again here as Jesus begins using parables- earthly stories connected to divine truth.
In the middle Jesus speaks about throwing out the seed which is the word of God and the different kinds of soil is different kinds of people. Yet unlike the stormy water- the soil and people can reject God’s word. The water doesn’t. It’s an interesting mix of stories that do go together!
Last week I was talking with a friend about their kids perceived lack of faith and this was bringing guilt on the parent. I’ve also had many in my youth ministry as well who have said they don’t have faith. This bothers me a lot. Often times I take it personally. I assured this parent that their child’s faith isn’t something you can control that’s the Spirit’s job. This chapter shows that in full. We throw out the seed daily, regularly, sometimes it works! Often it doesn’t. But that shouldn’t stop you from growing or sharing God’s word or digging into it. We’re assured God’s word doesn’t return void. and that how someone else responds is beyond our control. That’s annoying because we want to be in control, but if we’ve learned anything over the last few weeks its that we’re not in control and I’d rather not be.
However we do know the one who is in control. Rest in Jesus for growth. Rest in Him to calm your storms!
Marking It Up 