Our symbol this week is the lightbulb, with a prayer for each of us,
that we will not grope about in the darkness, but that His Word, His parables,
will illumine our way and protect us from danger.
May we pray for lightbulb moments.
I had a lightbulb moment in our passage in Mark this week.
It has always been a mystery to me as to why Jesus would want to hide truth from anyone.
Wouldn’t He want their darkness to be illumined so that they could believe?
Yet, He says “No.” (See Mark 4:11-12)
Hiding the truth from some is the reason He now turns to teaching in parables,
for parables have the power to both hide & illumine.
My lightbulb moment on why Jesus would want to hide came in examinining the context, the incident that happens just before He begins to teach in parables.
He is accused of having a demon.
It is then that He speaks this formidable truth:
N. T. Wright explains that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can be likened to a conspiracy theory. If, for example, you believe your surgeon is actually a murderer in disguise, you will never let him operate on you. Anything he says or does to try to convince you to trust him will be seen as part of the conspiracy.
In the same way, if you believe the one who claims to be God
is actually possessed by Satan,
anything he says or does will be viewed as part of his conspiracy.
You will reject His Spirit, His Word,
and His lifeline of forgiveness thrown to you from Calvary.
You will also be “evangelistic” in spreading the conspiracy theory,
trampling on the pearl of great price.
In the crowd listening to Jesus, are those like this, so now He turns to parables,
which both illumine and hide.
Keller’s book does not cover this week’s passage, but we will.
Highlight from Last Week:
How I loved your enthusiasm on seeing or seeing again the huge different between religion and the gospel of Christianity. There were so many good thoughts from you — but here are two the show the burden and powerlessness of religion.
If I find that obedience is a burden, an enslavement, or it’s advice, that’s a clue I’m following the paradigm of religion. If I am living the gospel, obedience is a delight, a gift.
Susan
I thank God for freeing me from religion. It’s not easy everyday, but it’s not a chore at all. Thank you Father for Your leading and direction.
Jennifer
Jennifer, who made the above comment last week, just joined our blog and my heart soared to see her. Last year God set her free from the lies of religion and she realized how deeply loved she is. She “happened” to come to a meal that a church in Columbus, Georgia offered to anyone when they announced the study The Jesus Who Surprises. God wooed her to sign up and then set her free. She gave a beautiful authentic testimony in The Jesus Who Surprises video and you can see it by clicking here:
https://vimeo.com/timmahony/deebrestinjennifer
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- How has God’s Word or Spirit been a light to you recently?
Monday: Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
As a young Christian I so feared I might commit this unforgiveable sin, and my dear pastor (Sharon’s father-in-law) said, “Dee — if you are worried about it, you don’t have to be worried about it.” That is because if you care about pleasing God, it shows you revere Him. Blasphemy against the Spirit is a rejection of God because you do not revere Him. It is throwing away the lifeline that Christ offers — and there is no other way to be forgiven except to receive what Christ did for you on Calvary.
3. Read Mark 3:20-30.
A. What is the conflict in this passage?
B. What illustration does Jesus use to show the weakness in their accusation? What do
you learn from this?
C. N. T. Wright likens the accusation to a conspiracy theory. If someone believes there
is a conspiracy to make Jesus seem like God, but He is actually a fraud, how will that
affect that person’s reactions to anything Jesus says or does?
4. Read Mark 3:31-35
A. What happens here?
B. How does Jesus challenge idolatry of the family here?
5. Do you have any questions for God (or one another) about the above passages?
Tuesday: The Parable of the Sower
5. Read Mark 4:1-9
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
B. Describe the reason the seed did not take root in each of the first three soils.
C. Describe what happened with the fourth soil.
D. Which of these soils represent a true believer and why do you think that?
6. Read Mark 4:10-12
A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage?
B. What does he tell them about his reason for speaking in parables?
7. When you see this passage in the context of the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” passage,
what light comes to you?
8. What questions, petitions, confessions, or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so.
Wednesday: The Parable of the Sower Explained
9. Read Mark 4:13-20
A. What stands out to you from the explanation Jesus gives to his disciples and why?
B. Most theologians believe that the first two soils, and probably the third, are unbelievers.
But there is the possibility thorny soil could represent very weak believers, who are saved
but unfruitful. We really don’t know. But given this, how might you pray for yourself or
others? Do so.
10. How have you seen God in your life recently?
Thursday: With the Measure you Use, it will be Measured to you
11. Read Mark 4:21-23
A. What does Jesus say here?
B. How does this relate to his explanation about speaking in parables?
12. Read Mark 4:24-25
A. What two statements does Jesus make here?
B. Keeping this in the context of hiding or illumining, what might be the correct
application of “with the measure you measure, it will be measured to you?”
N. T. Wright says: “Jesus seems to be telling his followers that the level to which they pay attention to what he’s teaching them will be the level at which they will receive the benefits of the kingdom.”
This reminds me of when I was endeavoring to interest Marty, a friend from pickleball, to come to Bible study. She was hesitant, asking how much homework there would be. Because I so wanted her to come, I said, “Not too much.”
But my wiser friend Twila leaned forward and said, “What you put into it is what you will get out of it.”
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it.
Friday: Two More Farming Parables
14. Read Mark 4:26-29 and describe what you learn from this.
15. Read Mark 4:30-34
A. What is the point of this parable?
B. How might this be different from the way the people expected the Messiah to bring
in the new kingdom?
C. What do verses 33-34 tell us now about how Jesus taught?
16. How has have you seen God in your life recently?
Saturday: Reflections and Review
17. Do you have any questions for the group about the lesson this week?
18. What do you think will be your main take-a-way and why?
162 comments
Thursday: With the Measure you Use, it will be Measured to you
11. Read Mark 4:21-23
A. What does Jesus say here? – He’s asking them if when they bring a lamp in do they hide it under a bowel or bed or do they put it on a stand
B. How does this relate to his explanation about speaking in parables? – Again Jesus is talking using imagery instead of just saying what he wants them to know. It’s like he wants them to have to think about it and not just give the answer so to speak.
12. Read Mark 4:24-25
A. What two statements does Jesus make here? – He says ‘With the measure you use, it will be measured to you and even more. And, whoever has will be given more; who ever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.’
B. Keeping this in the context of hiding or illumining, what might be the correct application of “with the measure you measure, it will be measured to you?” – Not quite sure with this question, but here goes, if you put only half the flour in a cake you won’t get the cake you are trying to make.
N. T. Wright says: “Jesus seems to be telling his followers that the level to which they pay attention to what he’s teaching them will be the level at which they will receive the benefits of the kingdom.”
This reminds me of when I was endeavoring to interest Marty, a friend from pickleball, to come to Bible study. She was hesitant, asking how much homework there would be. Because I so wanted her to come, I said, “Not too much.” But my wiser friend Twila leaned forward and said, “What you put into it is what you will get out of it.”
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it. – Lord you see my day and what it consists of, help me to have the energy and the mindset to study your Word, do this blog and read through your Word with understanding. Help me to not feel rushed, or that I have to get it all in just to check the box. I want to know what I’m studying to help others that may not understand like me. Help me to focus and not be distracted with the things around me. Help me to be still and listen to your leading. In Jesus Name I pray Amen.
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it.
Dearest Lord Jesus, oh how I love you! Thank You for my well being. Thank You for helping me, through all circumstances, know who You are in my life. Thank You for the blessing of the Daniel fast that I have had these past three weeks; how You and I have connected. I know I am Yours and will always be until we meet in Your glorious home! Immersing myself in Your Word makes all the pain of the world just fall away. Thank You for that. When I put more in, I get more out. That’s what You day in Your Word. Help me, as I come off the fast, to remember this, as I have been so blessed. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Oops! “say” not “day.”
Thanks so for your prayers for this trip!
I speak tonight in Austin to an elderly group on grief.
Then on to the prisons. Thanks so much.
Dee, praying for you. The elderly are close and dear to my heart. Thank you for ministering to them. Praying, too for you and Kathy as you bring refreshment to the hearts of the prisoners. May those who do not know Jesus be freed from the shackles of spiritual death.
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it.Father, Tim Keller says we come to the Word of the Lord to meet with the Lord of the Word, I do want to draw near to you, I want to trust you and fear you in the right ways, not wrong fears fueled by the enemy. I ask that as I come you would bring some of those clear lightbulb moments that I have had in the past. I want to overflow with hope, I want to cling to what is true. Help me hear your voice. Thank you that you are steadfast and that your care for me does not run dry when I am less fervent than I want to be.
Read Mark 4:26-29 and describe what you learn from this.What stood out to me was:
“Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows”
It doesn’t matter what the man does whether he gets up or sleeps, all by itself the soil produces grain.
Love this
all by itself the soil produces grain.
Christianity produces change from inside out — organice
14. Read Mark 4:26-29 and describe what you learn from this.
The farmer scatters seed. While he is asleep, it grows, but he is unaware of how it actually occurs. Jesus then explains how a plant sprouts, grows and produces some sort of fruit or product. The farmer then harvests the grain.
I guess Jesus is the farmer? He scatters seeds (His disciples). The disciples travel around and find others to follow. The others that follow bloom into Christians. I don’t know….just trying hard to understand.
You are getting it!
15. Read Mark 4:30-34
A. What is the point of this parable?
I guess that the kingdom of God started small, with Jesus, and has grown over time? It is large enough to encompass all eventually?
B. How might this be different from the way the people expected the Messiah to bring in the new kingdom?
I think they expected the King to lead a war to get rid of the enemy. They didn’t expect a quiet, humble, storyteller.
C. What do verses 33-34 tell us now about how Jesus taught?
He used parables to teach, but explained them to the disciples later.
14. Read Mark 4:26-29 and describe what you learn from this.
We learned from the earlier parable of seed being scattered on good soil, rocky, shallow or thorny. This to me is saying the seed was scattered on good soil and the seed grew. I would think the good soil can be the Word of God also. Im sure there are many factors that go into a seed growing not mentioned here, but just from what we have learned from the previous parable, this is telling me the seed was on good soil, probably surrounded by the right elements to grow. Just as Christians we can grow through the Bible, church and other christians who come along side us.
15. Read Mark 4:30-34
A. What is the point of this parable?
Jesus was comparing the Kingdom of God like the smallest seed, mustard, when planted it grows. Again I am guessing good soil. I like how the mustard seed is the smallest, yet grows the largest of garden plants, is is strong, the birds can perch on it in its shade. Like God, we can rest in Him and be comforted.
B. How might this be different from the way the people expected the Messiah to bring
in the new kingdom?
C. What do verses 33-34 tell us now about how Jesus taught?
he taught in parables unless he was alone, then he explained everything to them.
16. How has have you seen God in your life recently? Through my bible study on Tuesdays, it’s been eye opening and really making me more aware. I am doing a budget class, and yesterday I went grocery shopping. I made a list, I didn’t waiver from it and paid cash. I forgot to add as I went along and thought well I will probably go over my allotted cash amount, to my surprise I was underway the allotted cash amount and very surprised. I even shared with the cashier my aha moment and she agreed, when paying cash we tend to do better and makes us more aware of what we are buying or spending our money on. I usually dont budget with groceries and I feel this is something I waste money on. So this was huge for me.
fun God hunt — and good to share with cashier
Staci, loved the moment at the grocery store. I have finally found if I do a meal plan, and only buy what I need for that week I am saving money as well. I also have been using Insta Cart which keeps me out of the store. It is $99 a year, but when I’m not in the store, I’m not impulse buying.
9. The Sower sows the word. Jesus explains, the ones along the path, Satan comes and takes away the word; the ones on rocky ground are received with joy, but have no root, so when tribulation comes, they fall away. the ones sown among thorns are choked because deceitfulness of riches and desires for other things do not allow for fruitfulness. The ones sown on good soil hear the word, accept it and bear much fruit!
What stands out is that so many are lost because of poor conditions. How sad to think of many who do not have the conditions of growth and fall away. My prayer is that hearts would receive the word, and allow God to plant and grow the faith leading to eternal life.
10. I have seen God in my life this week through good friends who take time to listen and to encourage and to share their faith journey. We need to make time for others and it is so nourishing, also like sunshine and blue skies after a cloudy day. That encouraged me on Wednesday and Thursday!
11.Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket…? I am guessing that Jesus wants us to understand his explanation of the parable- to make a difference in how we live?
12. Mark 4:24-25″with the measure you use, it will be measured to you and still more will be added to you.” I am assuming this means being a witness to others, but I am not sure. If we do not grow or share the good news we will not be fruitful.
13. My prayer for myself: Father God, You have given me so much. I am thankful for your work in my life, for forgiveness and mercy and hope you generously give to me. I pray for wisdom, for boldness to speak to others, to forgive, to show kindness and to encourage others to seek you and find the joy of following you. You are a good, good Father. I pray in Jesus’ name.
Thursday: With the Measure you Use, it will be Measured to you
11. Read Mark 4:21-23
A. What does Jesus say here?
Things that are hidden can be exposed and understood.
B. How does this relate to his explanation about speaking in parables?
Only the ones who are really sincerely wanting to know the meaning of the parables will find them. Seek and you will find.
12. Read Mark 4:24-25
A. What two statements does Jesus make here?
a. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.
b. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
B. Keeping this in the context of hiding or illumining, what might be the correct application of “with the measure you measure, it will be measured to you?”
You get out what you put in?
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it.
Lord, that I will invest in things that will last and sincerely do it. More of seeking you and your Word. And may this open my eyes to your pleasing and perfect will in my life.
Friday: Two More Farming Parables
14. Read Mark 4:26-29 and describe what you learn from this.
I can plant the seed of the gospel in somebody’s life but it will only grow through the work of God. Its advancement and fruit are not up to me.
15. Read Mark 4:30-34
A. What is the point of this parable?
B. How might this be different from the way the people expected the Messiah to bring
in the new kingdom?
People expected the Messiah to come in pomp and splendor while Jesus says the kingdom of God starts small. From the lowliest, from the least expected will He bring His kingdom about.
A. What do verses 33-34 tell us now about how Jesus taught?
He taught in parables based on how people could understand.
16. How has have you seen God in your life recently?
I was at a clinical site yesterday and discovered that one of our former church members has been admitted there. Memories of how she and her husband just up and left and won’t talk to us even after we made efforts to reach out came flooding back. I walked her hall many times with my students but felt hesitant to go and see her in fear she might turn me away or say something hurtful. I struggled inside and had to catch some moments to pray for God’s wisdom and love to overcome me instead of giving in to my fears. Later in the afternoon, I resolved to show love and asked the Lord to give me the words to say. Her door was closed so I opened it a crack and called out her name. She responded and I announced myself and my student. When I saw her lying in bed looking ill and helpless, I almost cried. I talked to her while she opened and closed her eyes and told us about her fall and subsequent hospitalization and admission. Sensing her weakness, I told her I will be back to see her again and that I will ask my students to take good care of her whenever they are there for their clinicals. Then she said, thank you. So grateful I listened to the prompting of the Lord.
Great and typical God Hunt for Bing!
17. – 18.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the blasphemy and the parables. I always thought that being allowed into heaven was trusting and believing in Jesus and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Now, there seem to be some extra rules… and Jesus even says that He is hiding His wisdom from people who will not listen. He says they have been given many chances and now the time is up. I guess it reminds me of the woman at the well (“…go and sin no more…”); there is finality, a place where there are no more chances. Interesting. I’ve always thought of blasphemy as a vocal thing. Here it is a thought process. It does make me sad for my children though. I don’t think they believe in God, or if they do He is nothing in their lives. I fear for their souls, as this is a form of blasphemy. They were raised in church too. They just look down on me as a Christian, like I’m some weirdo or freak. I continue to pray for them.
I’m still not sure I understand the conspiracy theory idea either. I think of a conspiracy theory as being like some people believe that 9/11 was done by the government. I guess it’s because they distrust the government so they think the government could be responsible for something like that?! Here you have people who are distrusting and wary of what Jesus is saying so I guess when they talk about Him they talk in a negative way?
You got it again!
I have finished the questions for this week, though didn’t post because it’s Saturday and I haven’t been able to keep up very well this week. I have appreciated reading through all of your posts, questions, and Dee’s helpful answers. Jesus’ parables make me think, and scratch my head, too! I think maybe one minute I kind of get it, and then the next, I’m not sure. Even this week, I could see myself in the parable of the soils as the one in which the message and God is being crowded out by the worries of this life. We are starting to remove wallpaper which is in several rooms in our home downstairs, and the mess, and the damage to the drywall….I have been behaving like a shrew this week. I feel as if my focus is all on the wrong things, and yet, I can’t escape the sight of those walls! We had hired two people to begin the project, and after I saw the quality of the work they did in one area, I told my husband I didn’t want them to come back to do any more work. Do you have to live in a monastery somewhere to stay focused on God?
Susan, it’s so hard to live in the mess of a redecorating project. Loved that last question, “do we need to live in a monastery to focus on God.” I understand that completely.
One of the things the Lord has been working on me is not hiding my light under a bushel. I work in the fast food industry and sometimes people aren’t very nice but the Lord is showing me how to be loving in all circumstances. I witnessed something pretty amazing this week. When we are kind even to those who are unjustly mean to us it softens them. God is so good. I don’t know what anyone is going through in there life. If God can use me to help make there day a little better I will gladly do it. I know He is always at work in me and I am so thankful.
Sooooo good Jennifer.
oh Jennifer. I am convicted and inspired by your words here :” When we are kind even to those who are unjustly mean to us it softens them. ” So good.
I love how you are all praying the Scripture.
Last night went well with the elderly — (funny how I don’t put myself in that category yet — when will I! :-)now on to prison. The hand I broke at pickleball a year ago is acting up – please pray for that and even more for an absolutely powerful anointing~ Thanks so much.
Lord we are so grateful to you for the meeting Dee had with the elderly. Always keep her young and working for you Lord. Help the pain in her hand be gone so she can concentrate on what you want her to say and not on the pain she may be in. Help this meeting in the prison Lord be a blessing for all involved. Keep Dee covered in your arms as she ministers to those who are hungry for you. We ask for safe travels for her and her team while she is away. We know you are in control of this time. In Jesus Name I pray. AMEN!
Just seeing this now, Dee. Praying for your ministry and also for your hand that the pain will not distract from God’s work. You are such a trooper. God bless you!
Read Mark 4:10-12A. To whom is Jesus speaking in this passage? He is Speaking to “those around him with the twelve.”
B. What does he tell them about his reason for speaking in parables? He says ilthings are in paraes so that those “outside” can see but not perceive, hear but not understand lest they turn and be forgiven … this is confusing as didn’t Christ come to draw people to and give freely the forgiveness that they need?! 7. When you see this passage in the context of the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” passage, what light comes to you? Maybe this has to do with people turning to Christ too early? Before they are ready to give all … and then blaspheming the Holy Spirit becomes a problem? Maybe only those who truly perceive are really ready to embrace the Gospel?? 8. What questions, petitions, confessions, or praise does this passage lead you to pray? Do so. I need to study this more so I understand… which is ironic… and read others’ responses to gain insight.
Friday: Two More Farming Parables
14. Read Mark 4:26-29 and describe what you learn from this. – I’m seeing that even when I’m sleeping God is in control of my life. Every minute of the day He is working. I don’t even have to be doing anything and He continues to cover me with his love of growing my faith.
15. Read Mark 4:30-34
A. What is the point of this parable? – It doesn’t take much effort for us to become what God has planned for us to be. But we have to continue to learn and absorb his teaching from his word to continue to grow.
B. How might this be different from the way the people expected the Messiah to bring in the new kingdom? – Did they expect him to just give everything we needed freely with no work on our part? I think these parables are showing that we need to dig deep to find the true meaning of His teachings. If we are lazy, and just sit and wait for the answer, we aren’t going to get it. We need to want to learn what he is teaching and do our part.
C. What do verses 33-34 tell us now about how Jesus taught? – He spoke in parables, but for those that followed him, he explained it in more detail when they were by themselves. We need to find that quiet time with God to find out what he is saying to us in private.
16. How has have you seen God in your life recently? – This week did not start out good. With my husband recouping from his surgery, me going back to work on Tuesday and my mom in Florida, I’ve had a stressful week trying to do what 3 normally did by myself. But as it went on I felt more peace in my life. A sense of calm I guess. It’s hard to explain, but I think we all have sensed this at times, when we let God in and take control of our lives.
Saturday: Reflections and Review
17. Do you have any questions for the group about the lesson this week? – I know Laura has said this in the past and I so agree with her, but the parables that Jesus teaches from, can fog my brain. I really have to be in quiet and have time to really sit and figure out what he is trying to say. To come at them in different directions and be open to the Spirit in hearing what they all mean. I’m not sure if there is anything out there, any books or commentaries on the parables, but if you have heard of any can you please let me know.
18. What do you think will be your main take-a-way and why? – I’m seeing in this week’s lesson that I need to be open to Jesus teaching style. I don’t have to worry that he won’t be working in my life, that he is there every minute. But I do need to be willing to dig deeper in his Word to grow in my relationship with Him. I need to find that quiet place at some point of the day for him to explain what he was teaching me.
The parable of the kingdom of God like seed planted that sprouts and grows and produces full grain is simple, yet hard for me to comprehend.
I presume that it is the work of God, with man not needing to do any work. But this is seems contrary to what is said before, “for to the one that has, more will be given.” I am assuming they are related.
The next passage is the comparison of a grain of mustard seed, the smallest of seeds that grows and becomes larger than all the garden plants.
Yes, the kingdom of God is a mystery, and Jesus privately spoke to his disciples explaining everything. I suppose the point of this parable is to show that God’s kingdom will be completed as He works and we must trust Him to do it.
I am sure that his followers expected to see results in their lives and times, yet didn’t have any idea of the suffering that Jesus would endure for our sins.
How have I seen God in my life? Well, a dear friend of ours called and told us about a teaching he listened to on wisdom, from the book of James. My husband and I both listened to it and felt that God was speaking to us about the question in James 3:13: “who is wise and understanding among you? By good conduct and meekness of wisdom”. as compared to “earthly wisdom which is related to jealousy and selfish ambition, followed by disorder.” We now have a standard to compare the next meeting which is in a week.
What stood out to me this week? I like the light bulb and I will keep my eyes open for these moments of clarity.
9. Read Mark 4:13-20
A. What stands out to you from the explanation Jesus gives to his disciples and why? What stands out to me is that Jesus seems surprised that his disciples don’t understand the parable. Also, he indicates that if they don’t understand this parable then they cannot understand all the parables that will b euttered. Conversely this probably means that if they can see the key in this parable then they will be able to see all the other parables. I am reminded of my own journey in study. The more authors pointed me to Christ in the text the more I was able to just see Jesus and the Gospel in the Word. I was given the key in how to SEE … I still don’t understand all but I really do feel as though that key has opened my eyes to be able to perceive and understand. I think this is perhaps Christ’s intent… the Proverbs say that a wise man will seek the true meaning… those that desire salvation will continue to seek and try to understand and they will see… those that want a quick selfish fix will be lost and not truly perceive. Even the disciples had to work at understanding and the penny didn’t drop for them till after the resurrection .
B. Most theologians believe that the first two soils, and probably the third, are unbelievers. But there is the possibility thorny soil could represent very weak believers, who are saved but unfruitful. We really don’t know. But given this, how might you pray for yourself oR others? Do so. I confess, when I first considered this in an earlier question I was thinking works… but the fruit is characteristics … love, joy, patience, peace, gentleness… these will manifest in actions but the actions themselves are not the fruit. I think of those who are stuck in such evil, awful, desperate situations that may not be able to do works … but then realize that the Spirit will still manifest in them… so I can pray: Father God for all your children, may your presence be above all that we would cling to your love and the Spirit would work and manifest in us so that your light would shine brighter each day. For those stuck (and all of us are stuck to some degree at the altar of our idols) free us God, and let us be patient and open to what it takes for you to do so,
10. How have you seen God in your life recently. I didn’t have to work the night shift last night for high I am truly grateful and consider a small miracle from the King for me.
11. Read Mark 4:21-23
A. What does Jesus say here?
He seems to be implying that things hidden are meant to be sought out… in context he just finished explaining the ‘hidden’ meaning of the sower parable.
B. How does this relate to his explanation about speaking in parables?
He is ‘hiding’ the meaning (the light) in order for it to be uncovered, discovered, found. Also… a lamp hidden could not be truly hidden, it’s light would be noticeable though a crack or from under the bed….
12. Read Mark 4:24-25
A. What two statements does Jesus make here?
Jesus says “pay attention” and “for who has will be given more and the one who has none even what he does have it will be taken away”
B. Keeping this in the context of hiding or illumining, what might be the correct application of “with the measure you measure, it will be measured to you?”
The term measure has been used to describe a portion given (a measure of flour)… I have always thought that measure meant standard or expectation, so the application would be be careful how you judge others or else you will be judged (which may be a verse elsewhere…?) but measure in the sense of portion gives the sense that the more you measure the word (what you hear) the more you will gain from it and what you do not measure the little understanding that you do have will be taken from you… the Word must be continually and oft sought in order to gain the things hidden and keep your understanding of them,
13. On the basis of the above, how might you pray for yourself? Do it. Father, may I measure to myself the Word as aid measure flour to myself and my family. Let the lamp shine bright that I may understand and glean LIFE from your Word. Amen
14. Read Mark 4:26-29 and describe what you learn from this.
The thing that stands out to me is that growth happens not at our hand but at the hand of God through the Grace of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. We one and go and seek Him but all good growth comes not from my efforts but by His power. There is significance in the sickle, too. There is finality in the harvest… the growth is completed the stalk is cut down and used… this is maybe death?
15. Read Mark 4:30-34
A. What is the point of this parable?
The yield of the kingdom will be greater than any effort for a kingdom despite its humblest beginnings….
B. How might this be different from the way the people expected the Messiah to bring in the new kingdom?
All other powers-to-be came with great force, power, and force (and by default, fear). Christ came with power but this power was so secure that he did not have to intimidate and forcefully conquer to maintain it. Rather he planted and it grew by God’s hand to something bigger than any other had achieved.
C. What do verses 33-34 tell us now about how Jesus taught?
He taught only in parables except to his disciples he explained everything. He was planting…