Parables of Jesus
Text: Mark 4:1-34
Outline:
1. 4:1-2, Introduction
2. 4:3-9, The Parable of the Sower
3. 4:10-13, Purpose of the Parables
4. 4:14-20, Meaning of the Parable of the Sower
5. 4:21-23, A Lamp under a basket
6. 4:24-25, Equal measures
7. 4:26-29, The Parable of the Seed Growing
8. 4:30-32, The Parable of the Mustard Seed
9. 4:33-34, Conclusion
Comments: 1. Introduction. Mark begins with Him teaching the crowd, then he shows a “private setting” of Jesus explaining the meaning of the parables to His disciples.
Also, note that Mark mentions MANY things in parables. It can be seen in two levels: (1) Jesus taught them many topics in the parable of the Sower (for it is the only one spoken to the crowds); (2) or it could mean that Jesus addressed the crowds with more than one parable (see, plural in v.2). The second is most likely interpretation. Therefore, we know that Jesus taught, did, and said more than it is recorded in the Gospels (see John 20:30-31; 21:25). We have no need to search for the “lost sayings,” but hear, read, learn, and inwardly digest what we have – the holy, written, and inerrant word.
2. The Parable of the Sower. Very famous parable that tells of four types of soil: by the road, rocky, good soil, which also produces thorns, and the good soil that bears a great harvest of grain. See n. 4 for interpretation.
3. Purpose of the parables. Quite often one can hear that Jesus used parables to simplify the spiritual matters referring to the visuals people were used to: grain, seeds, trees, sheep, family, etc. Yet, when Jesus addresses His disciples, He says something quite contrary: parables are given so they will not perceive, and many head but not understand (Mark 4:12b). Because the prime purpose of parables is not high-level abstract theology or even disciplinary moral teaching. The purpose is to lead people to repentance: lest they should turn/repent and be forgiven (Mark 4:12c). Only repented heart can grasp the full meaning of the parables, being reconciled with the Parable giver.
4. Jesus opens the meaning of the Parable of the Sower. There are four types of soil. First is “along the path” – no roots whatsoever, Satan immediately snatches it away (4:15). They are not even able to “hear” it properly, note that Jesus ends the parable with an exhortation to hear (Mark 4:9). Then Jesus presents two different types of temptations: how long and how much? How long can a Christian survive suffering (rocky soil and the blazing sun)? And how much (deceitful riches) will it take to choke attention to the Word?
The last is the good soil, which represents a person who HEARS, ACCEPTS, and BEARS FRUIT. All three phases are important for the previous ones also hear and accept (to some extend), but not fruit – therefore, no ultimate good.
5. Lamp under a basket. An allegory of unfruitful witness – what should be brought up high – to light up the room – is kept under a basket or a bed. Basically, this parable type statement reinforces the idea of fruits from the Parable of the Sower.
6. Measures. From lights – as a witness or fruits of the growth in Christ – Jesus turns into the measures. It looks like a relational aspect of the communion of saints. Luke 6:38 gives a more detailed explanation of the verse: give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. On one hand the Law forbids the usage of different measures (Deuteronomy 25:13-16). This was to prevent a hidden thievery. Here Jesus uses the same image on the relational level – people of light attract other gracious people (1 John 1:5-6).
7. The Parable of the Seed Growing. Next two parables are concerned with the Kingdom/Rule of God. The parable of the seed growing shows that God is in charge of the growth of the kingdom. Man sows (or even scatters) the seeds, but – like in agricultural reality – he doesn’t control the process. He has to trust God. It is God’s order of creation the seeds develop under the blanket of the soil, then the blade shows up, then the ear, then grain in the ear (4:28).
This parable also teaches the immanence of the Harvest. Sooner or later the Kingdom will be ready for the reception of the King. It will be a surprise to most of the people on the earth (1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). But (!) it will happen.
8. The Parable of the Mustard Seed. This parable covers the global impact of the Kingdom by the time of the Harvest. For sure, the smallest tree seed does not grow into a full-size tree in a day or a week. It takes time. By the time of proper development, the tree will provide shade for the birds of the air.
This is not the first time the image of birds appears in the parables. First time they clearly symbolize the agents of Satan (Comp. 4:4 and 4:15). Are this the same birds here? If so, why is the tree of the kingdom providing them a safe place to create their nests? Two things, we can not be sure that this time Jesus means the same birds. Most likely, He refers to the Gentiles – who come and enjoy the blessedness of the Christendom throughout the centuries of the Church rule.
On the other hand, every parable has its limitation in imagery and interpretation. Even if the birds are the same (which should not surprise us, the major heresies did not come from the outside of the church but grow under the branches of the Kingdom tree), this parable does not address the question of discipline. Not because the disciple is absent – Jesus uses other occasions for it (Matthew 18:15-18).
9. Conclusion. Again, we see that this is not the only parables Jesus taught to His disciples – with many such parables… This type of parables, and it was more than we have. Does it mean that we are lacking some vital teaching of Jesus hidden from the believers for all these years? Of course, no. We have what we need. The other parables – whatever they were – would simply repeat the teaching delivered here. He taught them the parables to train their minds to grasp the Wisdom of God revealed in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30).
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