Mark 4:1-20
Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.
Read all of Mark 4:1-20 at one time noting the story within the story.
It is a principle in education that when we reach conclusions on our own, they have a more powerful and lasting effect on us. Why do you think Jesus used parables (stories) to teach the crowds?
Are you bothered by the quote from Isaiah that Jesus uses to explain his use of stories? If so, share your honest thoughts and feelings with Jesus before you go on.
Read Mark 4:1-20 again imagining yourself as one of the crowd listening to Jesus.
This parable, and Jesus’ explanation of it, encapsulates what it means to live in a transformative, daily relationship with Jesus. We receive God’s “logos” (word, message) as we take time each day to lean into Jesus and absorb his teaching. That’s what you are doing now. But it’s possible to skim the surface and quickly forget what we’ve learned, and it’s also entirely plausible that we could learn something while we’re spending time with Jesus, and then have the busyness of life come along and distract us so that we forget.
It’s only when we learn from Jesus and then purposefully put that learning into practice that we become multipliers who are spreading seeds of shalom to those around us and expanding the kingdom of God through our words and actions.
Which of the seed scenarios in this parable most accurately reflects your experience with Jesus’ teaching?
Is there anything you need to confess to Jesus today? Lack of attention? Lack of trust? Something else?
What specific actions could you take to better retain what Jesus is teaching you and put it into action so that you become a kingdom multiplier? Take a few moments to talk this over with Jesus and then take a practical step in that direction.
If these meditations are helpful to you, please forward them to couple of friends.
Interested in going deeper? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide and blog.
