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).
