And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
The sower soweth the word.
And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Mark 4 is a pivotal chapter in Mark's Gospel, offering profound insights into how people receive and respond to Jesus' message. In the preceding chapter, Mark 3, we see a spectrum of reactions to Jesus – some follow Him, some try to exploit Him, and others seek to destroy Him. Mark 4 delves into the reasons behind these diverse responses, revealing the heart's receptivity as the key factor. This chapter, along with Mark 13:3-37, stands out as one of the few instances where Mark's Gospel dedicates significant space to recording Jesus' teachings, as the Gospel primarily focuses on Jesus' actions.
The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20)
Jesus, faced with a large crowd pressing in for healing (Mark 3:7-9), strategically positions Himself in a boat on the Sea of Galilee to teach them. He begins to teach using parables (Mark 4:2). Jesus frequently used parables to convey spiritual truths. The first, and perhaps most important, is the parable of the sower (Mark 4:3-9). This parable, set in an agrarian society familiar to Jesus' audience, speaks of a sower scattering seeds on different types of ground.
- The Path (Mark 4:4, 15): Some seeds fall on the hardened path, where they are quickly devoured by birds. This represents those with hardened hearts who refuse to believe. Satan easily snatches away the Word before it can take root.
- Rocky Ground (Mark 4:5-6, 16-17): Other seeds fall on rocky ground with shallow soil. These sprout quickly but wither under the sun due to lack of roots. This illustrates those who initially receive the Word with joy but lack depth and perseverance. When trials and tribulations arise, their faith falters.
- Among Thorns (Mark 4:7, 18-19): Still other seeds fall among thorns, which choke the plants as they grow. This symbolizes those who are distracted by worldly concerns, such as wealth and the cares of this life. These distractions choke out the Word, preventing it from producing fruit.
- Good Ground (Mark 4:8, 20): Finally, some seeds fall on good ground and produce an abundant harvest. This represents those with receptive hearts who hear, accept, and obey the Word. They bear fruit in varying degrees, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.
Jesus concludes the parable with the exhortation, "Let anyone who has ears to hear listen!" (Mark 4:9). This highlights the importance of spiritual discernment in understanding His message.
The Purpose of Parables (Mark 4:10-12)
Later, in private, the disciples asked Jesus to explain the parables to them (Mark 4:10). The disciples, seeking deeper understanding, ask Jesus about the meaning of the parables. Jesus explains that the "mystery of the kingdom of God" has been given to them (Mark 4:11). The things that had been hidden in the Old Testament about God’s kingdom were being revealed to them through Christ. However, for those "outside," who reject Jesus' authority, the parables serve to conceal the truth (Mark 4:11). He quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, highlighting the judgment on those who hear but do not understand. Unless they respond to the truth they have been given, they will not be given further insight to lead them to repentance (see also Matthew 13:10-12).
Jesus emphasizes that understanding the parable of the sower is crucial for understanding all the parables about the kingdom (Mark 4:13). The seed represents the Word of God (Mark 4:14). The way one responds to God’s Word has significant effects on one’s life. To receive the Word is to live under the rule of the King. The parable of the sower shows what it looks like when different kinds of hearts encounter God’s Word.
The Lamp Under a Basket (Mark 4:21-25)
Jesus continues with the analogy of a lamp. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket (Mark 4:21). Instead, a lamp is put on a lampstand to light up a room and reveal its contents. In the same way, the lamp of God’s Word is to shine into people’s hearts in order to bring to light that which is hidden (Mark 4:22). The gospel message, once hidden, is now meant to be revealed. The more open people are to Jesus' teaching, the more spiritual wisdom God will give to them. Those who only want to understand a little will wind up with nothing at all.
Disciples must heed the Word of God (Mark 4:23). To the degree that you welcome the Word in your life, you will bear fruit. The more believers accept God’s kingdom agenda, the more fruitfulness God will entrust to them. But disobedience brings spiritual barrenness (Mark 4:24-25).
The Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)
Jesus offers another parable, comparing the kingdom of God to seed that a man planted (Mark 4:26). As he went about his life, the seed sprouted and grew, though he didn’t understand how (Mark 4:27). Over time, a crop was produced that was ready for the harvesters (Mark 4:28-29). Similarly, the disciple of Jesus Christ who faithfully proclaims God’s Word can have confidence that it will accomplish its work (see Isaiah 55:10-11). The Word has life within itself, so God will ensure growth and harvest as people respond to his Word when it is rightly explained. This emphasizes the power of the Word to work independently, even without our full understanding.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32)
Continuing the theme of growth, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed (Mark 4:31). Although it was the smallest of all the seeds that farmers planted, it would grow into a large shrub, in which birds could nest (Mark 4:31-32). In the same way, God’s kingdom was starting small, with just a few disciples. But it would grow tremendously in spite of its inauspicious beginning so that the operation of the kingdom in history would spread blessings everywhere. This illustrates the potential for exponential growth from humble beginnings.
Thus, Jesus spoke in parables to communicate the truth of the kingdom (Mark 4:33). But to his disciples, he explained everything (see Mark 4:10-12).
Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
As evening approaches, Jesus proposes crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples (Mark 4:35). Climbing into their boat, they left the crowd and their stressful day behind (Mark 4:36). Or so they thought.
Lying nearly seven hundred feet below sea level, the Sea of Galilee is surrounded by mountains and highlands. As a result of this geography, it is predisposed to violent windstorms, which is exactly what the disciples encountered. Not only were they being tossed about, but waves were breaking over the boat and filling it with water (Mark 4:37). Several of the disciples were hardened, lifelong fishermen. They had experienced storms on the Sea of Galilee before. But this one was different.
Notice that the disciples hadn’t done anything wrong. Jesus had commanded them to get into the boat, and they were in the perfect center of God’s will. Yet they were also in the center of a situation that was threatening their lives. Life is like that sometimes. It’s true that our sinful choices often bring difficulties our way. Frequently, though, heartbreaking trials come when you’re following God and experiencing intimate fellowship with him. So, remember to “consider it a great joy . . . whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3).
Amidst the raging storm, Jesus is found asleep in the stern of the boat (Mark 4:38). The disciples, terrified, wake Him, crying out, "Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?" They were rocked by the storm outside, the storm of inner terror, and the theological storm of wrongly assuming Jesus didn’t care. The last storm was the worst.
When God lets us go through ordeals, it often feels like he doesn’t care. The fear and pain lead to confusion (“Why would God let this happen?”). But in such moments, you must know your Bible and trust in the King of creation. There are no storms that come into your life that do not first pass through his sovereign and loving fingers. If you know his character, you’ll know that he does nothing that is not for your good and for his glory (see Romans 8:28).
Jesus awakens and rebukes the wind, commanding the sea to be still (Mark 4:39). Immediately, the storm ceases. He then turns to His disciples, asking, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" (Mark 4:40).
Fear and faith: these two correspond to one another. An increase in one leads to a decrease in the other. The disciples had every reason to trust Jesus. They had seen his miraculous deeds; they knew God was with him. But it’s easy to forget what Jesus did yesterday when we’re going through a storm today. Furthermore, before the storm arose, Jesus had told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side” (Mark 4:35). He had let them know in advance that they would make it to their destination. Our faith fails only when we allow our circumstances to override God’s Word.
Moments before, the disciples had been afraid of their situation. Yet when they witnessed the power of Jesus, they became terrified of him. They feared the one whom they should have feared all along. Why does God put you in frightful circumstances? So that you’ll learn to fear him more than your own circumstances. If you fear him above all else, you’ll trust his Word above all else. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power over nature and underscores the importance of faith in the face of adversity. The disciples are left in awe, questioning, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:41).
And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.
And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:
And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.
And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:
But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.
And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
The sower soweth the word.
And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.
And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:
But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Mark 4 is a pivotal chapter in Mark's Gospel, offering profound insights into how people receive and respond to Jesus' message. In the preceding chapter, Mark 3, we see a spectrum of reactions to Jesus – some follow Him, some try to exploit Him, and others seek to destroy Him. Mark 4 delves into the reasons behind these diverse responses, revealing the heart's receptivity as the key factor. This chapter, along with Mark 13:3-37, stands out as one of the few instances where Mark's Gospel dedicates significant space to recording Jesus' teachings, as the Gospel primarily focuses on Jesus' actions.
The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20)
Jesus, faced with a large crowd pressing in for healing (Mark 3:7-9), strategically positions Himself in a boat on the Sea of Galilee to teach them. He begins to teach using parables (Mark 4:2). Jesus frequently used parables to convey spiritual truths. The first, and perhaps most important, is the parable of the sower (Mark 4:3-9). This parable, set in an agrarian society familiar to Jesus' audience, speaks of a sower scattering seeds on different types of ground.
- The Path (Mark 4:4, 15): Some seeds fall on the hardened path, where they are quickly devoured by birds. This represents those with hardened hearts who refuse to believe. Satan easily snatches away the Word before it can take root.
- Rocky Ground (Mark 4:5-6, 16-17): Other seeds fall on rocky ground with shallow soil. These sprout quickly but wither under the sun due to lack of roots. This illustrates those who initially receive the Word with joy but lack depth and perseverance. When trials and tribulations arise, their faith falters.
- Among Thorns (Mark 4:7, 18-19): Still other seeds fall among thorns, which choke the plants as they grow. This symbolizes those who are distracted by worldly concerns, such as wealth and the cares of this life. These distractions choke out the Word, preventing it from producing fruit.
- Good Ground (Mark 4:8, 20): Finally, some seeds fall on good ground and produce an abundant harvest. This represents those with receptive hearts who hear, accept, and obey the Word. They bear fruit in varying degrees, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.
Jesus concludes the parable with the exhortation, "Let anyone who has ears to hear listen!" (Mark 4:9). This highlights the importance of spiritual discernment in understanding His message.
The Purpose of Parables (Mark 4:10-12)
Later, in private, the disciples asked Jesus to explain the parables to them (Mark 4:10). The disciples, seeking deeper understanding, ask Jesus about the meaning of the parables. Jesus explains that the "mystery of the kingdom of God" has been given to them (Mark 4:11). The things that had been hidden in the Old Testament about God’s kingdom were being revealed to them through Christ. However, for those "outside," who reject Jesus' authority, the parables serve to conceal the truth (Mark 4:11). He quotes Isaiah 6:9-10, highlighting the judgment on those who hear but do not understand. Unless they respond to the truth they have been given, they will not be given further insight to lead them to repentance (see also Matthew 13:10-12).
Jesus emphasizes that understanding the parable of the sower is crucial for understanding all the parables about the kingdom (Mark 4:13). The seed represents the Word of God (Mark 4:14). The way one responds to God’s Word has significant effects on one’s life. To receive the Word is to live under the rule of the King. The parable of the sower shows what it looks like when different kinds of hearts encounter God’s Word.
The Lamp Under a Basket (Mark 4:21-25)
Jesus continues with the analogy of a lamp. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket (Mark 4:21). Instead, a lamp is put on a lampstand to light up a room and reveal its contents. In the same way, the lamp of God’s Word is to shine into people’s hearts in order to bring to light that which is hidden (Mark 4:22). The gospel message, once hidden, is now meant to be revealed. The more open people are to Jesus' teaching, the more spiritual wisdom God will give to them. Those who only want to understand a little will wind up with nothing at all.
Disciples must heed the Word of God (Mark 4:23). To the degree that you welcome the Word in your life, you will bear fruit. The more believers accept God’s kingdom agenda, the more fruitfulness God will entrust to them. But disobedience brings spiritual barrenness (Mark 4:24-25).
The Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)
Jesus offers another parable, comparing the kingdom of God to seed that a man planted (Mark 4:26). As he went about his life, the seed sprouted and grew, though he didn’t understand how (Mark 4:27). Over time, a crop was produced that was ready for the harvesters (Mark 4:28-29). Similarly, the disciple of Jesus Christ who faithfully proclaims God’s Word can have confidence that it will accomplish its work (see Isaiah 55:10-11). The Word has life within itself, so God will ensure growth and harvest as people respond to his Word when it is rightly explained. This emphasizes the power of the Word to work independently, even without our full understanding.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32)
Continuing the theme of growth, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed (Mark 4:31). Although it was the smallest of all the seeds that farmers planted, it would grow into a large shrub, in which birds could nest (Mark 4:31-32). In the same way, God’s kingdom was starting small, with just a few disciples. But it would grow tremendously in spite of its inauspicious beginning so that the operation of the kingdom in history would spread blessings everywhere. This illustrates the potential for exponential growth from humble beginnings.
Thus, Jesus spoke in parables to communicate the truth of the kingdom (Mark 4:33). But to his disciples, he explained everything (see Mark 4:10-12).
Jesus Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
As evening approaches, Jesus proposes crossing the Sea of Galilee with His disciples (Mark 4:35). Climbing into their boat, they left the crowd and their stressful day behind (Mark 4:36). Or so they thought.
Lying nearly seven hundred feet below sea level, the Sea of Galilee is surrounded by mountains and highlands. As a result of this geography, it is predisposed to violent windstorms, which is exactly what the disciples encountered. Not only were they being tossed about, but waves were breaking over the boat and filling it with water (Mark 4:37). Several of the disciples were hardened, lifelong fishermen. They had experienced storms on the Sea of Galilee before. But this one was different.
Notice that the disciples hadn’t done anything wrong. Jesus had commanded them to get into the boat, and they were in the perfect center of God’s will. Yet they were also in the center of a situation that was threatening their lives. Life is like that sometimes. It’s true that our sinful choices often bring difficulties our way. Frequently, though, heartbreaking trials come when you’re following God and experiencing intimate fellowship with him. So, remember to “consider it a great joy . . . whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3).
Amidst the raging storm, Jesus is found asleep in the stern of the boat (Mark 4:38). The disciples, terrified, wake Him, crying out, "Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?" They were rocked by the storm outside, the storm of inner terror, and the theological storm of wrongly assuming Jesus didn’t care. The last storm was the worst.
When God lets us go through ordeals, it often feels like he doesn’t care. The fear and pain lead to confusion (“Why would God let this happen?”). But in such moments, you must know your Bible and trust in the King of creation. There are no storms that come into your life that do not first pass through his sovereign and loving fingers. If you know his character, you’ll know that he does nothing that is not for your good and for his glory (see Romans 8:28).
Jesus awakens and rebukes the wind, commanding the sea to be still (Mark 4:39). Immediately, the storm ceases. He then turns to His disciples, asking, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" (Mark 4:40).
Fear and faith: these two correspond to one another. An increase in one leads to a decrease in the other. The disciples had every reason to trust Jesus. They had seen his miraculous deeds; they knew God was with him. But it’s easy to forget what Jesus did yesterday when we’re going through a storm today. Furthermore, before the storm arose, Jesus had told them, “Let’s cross over to the other side” (Mark 4:35). He had let them know in advance that they would make it to their destination. Our faith fails only when we allow our circumstances to override God’s Word.
Moments before, the disciples had been afraid of their situation. Yet when they witnessed the power of Jesus, they became terrified of him. They feared the one whom they should have feared all along. Why does God put you in frightful circumstances? So that you’ll learn to fear him more than your own circumstances. If you fear him above all else, you’ll trust his Word above all else. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' power over nature and underscores the importance of faith in the face of adversity. The disciples are left in awe, questioning, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:41).