Jesus has begun teaching the crowds using parables (stories). Here are some more, all dealing with the announced kingdom of God.
Mark 4: 26-29
He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
Mark 4: 26-29
He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."
So this kingdom grows slowly and invisibly, without easy observation.
Mark 4: 30-32
Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."
Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."
This one I understand a little better. Yes, the kingdom of God begins in small ways, as a small seed like the mustard seed (or a sesame seed) but eventually wins out!
The kingdom of God is very different from any earthly, political nation or reality. (See Hebrews 11:13-16!)
The kingdom of God is very different from any earthly, political nation or reality. (See Hebrews 11:13-16!)
Mark 4: 33-34
With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
The indirect parable, requiring thought, meditation, inquiry, is the main tool of Jesus's ministry.
Mark 4: 35-41
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."
Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
Mark 4: 35-41
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."
Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"
Jesus responds to the disciples' request calmly, telling the waves, "Be still!" almost like one might tell a child, "Hush! Quit making noise!" And the storm meekly quiets down.
"Who is this?" ask the disciples. A very good question. It will be asked a number of times in this book!
I too would have been terrified to see such action. The real Messiah is pretty scary.
All I'll say about these parables--and this comment ties into my last two--is that they indicate that it is not up to us to make people believe. That is God's job. I just sat through an altar call yesterday where the preacher used the time-honored method of manipulating and subtly shaming people into coming forward. That crap may make the preacher look good for getting results, but it does not produce lasting change. Speaking from experience here, both personal and in observation. I'm so sick of it I almost gag every time I get stuck in a service where it happens. That is one reason, when I move to Alabama, I will be very skittish about even visiting Southern Baptist churches. Anyway, it's God' job. Paul says the same thing in I Corinthians 3:16, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth." Plant the seed, water it with teaching, but never take credit for the growth and never assume the responsibility for something only God can accomplish. You'll just turn into a frustrated, manipulative tool.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Every word! I have often observed this manipulation and it is dishonest and very damaging.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I have recently had the privilege of watching a young woman (an adult) make a sincere effort to understand who Jesus is and finally making a decision to follow him, seeing him as her savior and God. This process took a year or more of serious inquiry, involving a number of Christians answering her questions honestly and (from my perspective) without manipulation. No one person could claim credit, and that is appropriate. Her "conversion" seemed to me to be the work of the Holy Spirit, not manipulation, leading this woman to a rational, thoughtful decision. If I am seeing this correctly, this conversion will endure as it was NOT the result of manipulation!
At one time I did not quite see the emotional manipulation for what it was. Now I do, and I will object to it when it occurs.
Agreed. Every word! I have often observed this manipulation and it is dishonest and very damaging.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I have recently had the privilege of watching a young woman (an adult) make a sincere effort to understand who Jesus is and finally making a decision to follow him, seeing him as her savior and God. This process took a year or more of serious inquiry, involving a number of Christians answering her questions honestly and (from my perspective) without manipulation. No one person could claim credit, and that is appropriate. Her "conversion" seemed to me to be the work of the Holy Spirit, not manipulation, leading this woman to a rational, thoughtful decision. If I am seeing this correctly, this conversion will endure as it was NOT the result of manipulation!
At one time I did not quite see the emotional manipulation for what it was. Now I do, and I will object to it when it occurs.