Mark - Chapter 4

Mark 4.1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. Mark 4.2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Mark 4.3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: Mark 4.4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. Mark 4.5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: Mark 4.6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. Mark 4.7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. Mark 4.8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. Mark 4.9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. Mark 4.10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. Mark 4.11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: Mark 4.12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. Mark 4.13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? Mark 4.14 The sower soweth the word. Mark 4.15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. Mark 4.16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; Mark 4.17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. Mark 4.18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, Mark 4.19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mark 4.20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. Mark 4.21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? Mark 4.22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. Mark 4.23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. Mark 4.24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. Mark 4.25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Mark 4.26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; Mark 4.27 And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. Mark 4.28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. Mark 4.29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. Mark 4.30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? Mark 4.31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: Mark 4.32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. Mark 4.33 And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. Mark 4.34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4.35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. Mark 4.36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. Mark 4.37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. Mark 4.38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? Mark 4.39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4.40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4.41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Mark : Chapter 4

Jesus' Teachings in Parables in Mark Chapter 4

Chapter 4 of the Gospel of Mark immerses us in Jesus' teachings, conveyed through parables. These stories, rich in symbolism, reveal the secrets of the Kingdom of God and invite us to reflect on our receptiveness to the divine Word. Among the parables presented are those of the sower, the lamp, and the mustard seed, each offering a unique insight into the growth of the Kingdom and Jesus' authority over nature.

This chapter highlights Jesus as the Teacher par excellence, encouraging us to investigate biblical passages that illuminate the themes illustrated by his parables. Here are five key verses to consider:

Matthew 13:11-12

He answered, "To you has been given the knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but not to them. To whoever has it will be given, and they will have it more abundantly. From those who do not have, even what they have will be taken away."

This passage expands on Jesus' explanation of the purpose of parables, as indicated in Mark 4:11-12. He reminds us that understanding the mysteries of the Kingdom is a precious gift, accessible to those who sincerely seek it.

Luke 8:16

"No one lights a lamp and covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed. Instead, set it on high, so that those who enter may see the light."

This parable, parallel to that of the lamp in Mark 4:21, underlines the importance of letting our faith shine to light the path of others. The light of Christ must be visible and accessible to all.

Colossians 1:6

"Which has come to you. This gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the world, just as it has also done among you since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in all its truth."

This verse reflects the concept of the growth of the Kingdom of God, similar to the parable of the growing seed in Mark 4:26-29. It reminds us that the gospel is alive and active, producing fruit in our lives and in the world.

Psalm 107:29

"He calmed the storm, and the waves were still."

This psalm foreshadows the miracle of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:39. It teaches us that, even in the midst of life's storms, God's presence brings peace and comfort.

Matthew 17:20

He answered, "Because your faith is small. I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for them."

This verse develops the theme of faith, as presented in Mark 4:40, after Jesus calms the storm. He reminds us that even a little faith, when nurtured and put into action, can accomplish extraordinary things.

In conclusion, Mark chapter 4 invites us to deepen our understanding of Jesus' parables and to fully live the truths they reveal. May our faith be like a shining light, and may we be witnesses to the growth of the Kingdom of God in our world. Amen.