Helpfinder Sampler - Flipbook - Page 43
M AR K 4
page 899
seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted,
grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty,
and even a hundred times as much as had been
planted!” 9 Then he said, “Anyone with ears to
hear should listen and understand.”
10 Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve
disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables
meant.
11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret* of the Kingdom of God. But
I use parables for everything I say to outsiders,
12 so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:
‘When they see what I do,
they will learn nothing.
When they hear what I say,
they will not understand.
Otherwise, they will turn to me
and be forgiven.’*”
13 Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you
understand all the other parables? 14 The farmer
plants seed by taking God’s word to others.
15 The seed that fell on the footpath represents
those who hear the message, only to have Satan
come at once and take it away. 16 The seed on the
rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 17 But
since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t
last long. They fall away as soon as they have
problems or are persecuted for believing God’s
word. 18 The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, 19 but all
too quickly the message is crowded out by the
worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the
desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.
20 And the seed that fell on good soil represents
those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred
times as much as had been planted!”
Parable of the Lamp
21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a
lamp and then put it under a basket or under a
bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand,
where its light will shine. 22 For everything that
is hidden will eventually be brought into the
open, and every secret will be brought to light.
23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and
understand.”
24 Then he added, “Pay close attention to
what you hear. The closer you listen, the more
understanding you will be given*—and you will
receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my
teaching, more understanding will be given.
But for those who are not listening, even what
little understanding they have will be taken
away from them.”
4:11 Greek mystery. 4:12 Isa 6:9-10 (Greek version). 4:24 Or
The measure you give will be the measure you get back.
Parable of the Growing Seed
26 Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a
farmer who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night
and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed
sprouts and grows, but he does not understand
how it happens. 28 The earth produces the crops
on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through,
then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally
the grain ripens. 29 And as soon as the grain is
ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a
sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
Parable of the Mustard Seed
30 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom
of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?
31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground.
It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes
the largest of all garden plants; it grows long
branches, and birds can make nests in its
shade.”
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they
could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables;
but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.
Jesus Calms the Storm
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples,
“Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So
they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats
followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up.
High waves were breaking into the boat, and it
began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat
with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke
him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that
we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind
and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great
calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you
afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified.
• Success
MAR K 4 :1 9
When we turn our eyes from the Lord to
worldly attractions, we divert not only our
eyes but also our energy. Our lust, pride,
and desire for possessions will smother
our spiritual successes and other areas
of achievement as well. The best way
to keep other things from crowding
out God’s Word is to keep God’s Word
regularly before us.
