Mark 4:21-25

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 Mark 4:21-25 keeping yesterday’s parable of the seeds (Mark 4:1-20) in mind.

There is no scarcity in the kingdom of God, so hoarding blessings or knowledge is not only unnecessary, it’s counterproductive. Shalom multiplies as seeds are widely spread and light is given free rein to shine brightly.  And multiplication also happens when we soak ourselves in the teachings Jesus and listen well – the result is an ever-growing supply of understanding that flows out of us in word and deed.

But Jesus gives a warning in this passage as well. When we attempt to keep the kingdom to ourselves or allow ourselves to be distracted from the teachings of Jesus, our “supply” quickly dwindles. In the kingdom of God there is no standing still. We are either moving forward and multiplying or drifting backwards into subtraction.

Read Mark 4:21-25 again as if Jesus were speaking the words to you.

How purposeful have you been in the past few days about noticing opportunities to spread shalom in word and deed?

What is your experience when you spend ample time listening to the teachings of Jesus in the Bible? What effect does it have on your words and actions?

What practical steps can you take today to listen to Jesus well and spread shalom to those around you?

Talk to Jesus about this for a few minutes, and then make a plan for living it out today.

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.