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, The kingdom of God grows slowly, overnight
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, The kingdom of God grows slowly, overnight
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, Mustard seeds build largest bushes
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, Jesus deliberately speaks in parables
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, Waves and wind rebuked
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, Waves and wind rebuked
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.
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