When reading the bible we need to consider the way one passage relates to what comes before and after it. When we look at Mark 4:26-34, it comes immediately after the passage about being a light to the world and using what we have been given. The passage before that, dealt with the sower and the seed – again focusing on how we respond to God’s Word.
1. Now here, Jesus goes on to talk in parables about the kingdom of God. The first is about a man who scatters seed on the ground, verse 26. Once the seed is scattered the seed starts to sprout, verse 27.
When we scatter the seed of the gospel it’s liberating to know that it’s not up to us to make sure it takes root and grows. That job belongs to the Holy Spirit, I Corinthians 12:3. It takes the pressure off us to know that we are only responsible for sowing the seed, not how people respond.
2. The man sowing the seed in the parable does not understand how the seed sprouts. He only knows that it does.
We may not understand God’s ways or how and when the seed of conversion begins to grow. We may not understand how or when God will work in a person’s life. We do not have to understand. It’s enough that God does. And He brings it to fruition, verse 28.
3. The man in this parable knew when the time was right to harvest the crop, verse 29.
However, we need to be available should God decide to use us to be involved in the harvest. This means being able to clearly explain the gospel. It also means being conscious of the Lord’s leading and timing and being ready to finish the job if required.
4. The next parable about the kingdom of God also concerns a seed- the mustard seed the smallest of seeds, verse 31.
From this small seed something powerful grows. Again it shows the importance of dropping small seeds that may take time to sprout. Often an opportune word might suddenly strike a chord and get your friend or family member or work mate asking questions and wanting to know more of the Lord.
5. When it grows this seed becomes a magnificent tree – big enough that others of God’s creatures benefit as they can take refuge in it, verse 32.
Like the mustard tree our words could have far reaching effects, as the message ripples out in a way that sees God’s kingdom extend beyond our circle of acquaintance to others we could never reach ourselves.
6. Though Jesus used parables when talking to the people, to his own disciples he explained everything, verse 34.
God wants us to know the manner in which His Kingdom works. He explains clearly to us as we read and the Holy Spirit takes it and applies it to our lives. Often He plants ideas in our heads of some action we need to take. Those ideas like the seeds start to grow, bear fruit and impact other lives.
All Bible references from the New International Version
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