Mark 4

Mark 4 centers on Jesus’ teachings through parables, especially about the kingdom of God. In this chapter, Jesus explains the purpose of parables to His disciples and provides illustrations to reveal spiritual truths, especially focusing on how the Word of God is received by different types of hearts. This chapter highlights the importance of listening and responding to God’s Word with understanding and faith.

Mark 4:1-9 (NKJV)
1 And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea.
2 Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching:
3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.
4 And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it.
5 Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth.
6 But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away.
7 And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.
8 But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
9 And He said to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

In this parable, Jesus uses the imagery of a sower scattering seed on various types of soil to illustrate how different people receive God’s Word. The seeds represent God’s Word, and the soils depict different conditions of the heart. Some people quickly lose interest, others are enthusiastic but shallow, some are distracted by life’s concerns, while those with receptive hearts bear fruit abundantly. Jesus emphasizes the need for spiritual attentiveness and understanding.

Mark 4:10-12 (NKJV)
10 But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.
11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,
12 so that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.’”

This passage explains why Jesus used parables to teach. He reveals that parables serve a dual purpose: they convey deep spiritual truths to those who are open to understanding while concealing them from those whose hearts are hardened. The statement “Lest they should turn, and their sins be forgiven them” reflects the judgment on those who willfully reject the truth. It does not mean God desires to withhold forgiveness but highlights the condition of the people’s hearts. Their refusal to truly see, hear, and understand keeps them from repentance and forgiveness. Parables, therefore, act as both a tool of revelation for the faithful and a form of judgment for those unwilling to believe, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy about the spiritual blindness and deafness of Israel.

Mark 4:13-20 (NKJV)
13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
14 The sower sows the word.
15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.
18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word,
19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

Jesus interprets the parable, explaining the types of responses to God’s Word. The “wayside” represents those whose hearts are closed, allowing Satan to take away the Word. The “stony ground” refers to those who respond joyfully at first but fall away when challenged. The “thorns” symbolize distractions and worries that choke spiritual growth. In contrast, the “good ground” depicts those who embrace and act on God’s Word, leading to abundant fruitfulness.

Mark 4:21-25 (NKJV)
21 Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?
22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.
23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”
24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.
25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Jesus emphasizes that His teachings are meant to illuminate, not to be hidden. Spiritual truths will eventually be revealed, and it is essential to listen and apply them. The measure of understanding one seeks will determine the depth of insight received. Those who actively engage with the truth will receive even more, while those who neglect it will lose what little they have.

Mark 4:26-29 (NKJV)
26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground,
27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.
28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.
29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

In this parable, Jesus explains that the kingdom of God grows in a mysterious, gradual way. The sower plants the seed and watches it develop, but the growth happens beyond his understanding. This illustrates the natural yet divine process of spiritual growth in the kingdom, culminating in the harvest, symbolizing the final judgment and fulfillment of God’s purposes.

Mark 4:30-32 (NKJV)
30 Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it?
31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth;
32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

The parable of the mustard seed illustrates the kingdom’s humble beginnings and tremendous growth. Though small at first, the kingdom will expand and provide shelter and refuge for many. This parable reflects the power of God’s kingdom to grow beyond initial appearances, impacting the world far beyond expectations.

Mark 4:33-34 (NKJV)
33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it.
34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

Jesus often used parables when teaching the crowds, adapting His message to their capacity for understanding. Privately, however, He provided His disciples with deeper insights, helping them comprehend spiritual truths. This approach shows His wisdom in communicating complex ideas progressively, nurturing His followers’ faith and understanding.

Mark 4:35-41 (NKJV)
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.”
36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

In this dramatic scene, Jesus demonstrates His authority over nature by calming a fierce storm. Despite the disciples’ fear, Jesus is at peace, showing His trust in God’s sovereignty. His rebuke of their lack of faith highlights the need for trust, even in life’s storms. The disciples’ amazement at His power reflects their growing realization of His divine identity.