Mark 4:21-41
Q .1. What is the challenge of Christ’s parable of the lamp? Why is discernment needed regarding what we listen to? On what basis will we be judged? What attitude is needed to find the truth? – (Mk.4:21-25)
On the surface, the message of the parable of the lamp is obvious. Of course, a lamp is to be placed on a lampstand – so that those that come in may see the light (Lk.8:16 c.f. Mk.4:21). However, there is a corresponding spiritual truth that we should not forget – that – nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light (Mk.4:22). This truth must not be overlooked (Mk.4:23). Today great discernment is needed because there is so much ‘fake news’. The warning of Jesus is more relevant today than it has ever been – Take care what you listen to (Mk.4:24). He also warned us to be kind in our judgments, because – By your standard of measure, it will be measured to you; and more will be given to you (Mk.4:24). Spiritual truth is all around us. However, we must want it and embrace it – For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him (Mk.4:25).
Q.2. What guarantees the success of the Kingdom of God? How does the parable of the mustard seed illustrate the miraculous nature of the Kingdom? Who benefitted from Christs parables? – (Mk.4:26-34)
Many people only see the relevance of their own efforts in growing a crop. Christ’s parable of the growing plant reminds us that we must factor God into all our enterprises and ministries for the Kingdom of God – 26 … like a man who casts seed upon the soil; 27 and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know. 28 The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head (Mk.4:26-28). There is also an inevitability about the ultimate outcome, as we reap what we sow. – when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come (Mk.4:29 c.f. 2 Cor.9:6; Gal.6:7-9). Jesus often spoke of reaping in the context of His coming judgment (c.f. Mt.13:39-43; Rev.14:14-20). The parable of the mustard seed also illustrates the rapid growth of the Kingdom – 31 … though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, 32 yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade (Mk.4:31-32). Many people heard the parables – but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples (Mk.4:34). For some, the stories were enough, and did not arouse their need for more. Others, like His disciples, yearned to grow in their spiritual understanding, and Jesus did not disappoint them.
Q.3. Were the disciples alone on the lake? How did they get into a fierce storm? Why was Jesus asleep? How did He respond to their cries for help? Why were the disciples afraid? – (Mk.4:35-41)
Though Jesus and the disciples left the majority of the crowd on the shores of Galilee, – other boats were with Him (Mk.4:36 c.f. Mk.4:1; Jn.6:23-25). It was at Christ’s bidding that the disciples entered the boat to travel to the other side (Mk.4:35). It appears that Jesus led them into the oncoming storm in order to confirm His sovereign power over the natural elements. Jesus was exhausted from His demanding ministry schedule, and soon fell asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat (Mk.4:38). Not so His disciples, because – there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up (Mk.4:37). It would take an extra fierce storm to frighten seasoned fishermen. However, the Maker of the storm was sound asleep. They woke Jesus and cried – Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing (Mk.4:38). Jesus – … rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm (Mk.4:39). Jesus had complete trust in His heavenly Father, but He questioned the faith of His disciples (Mk.4:40). Now they were no longer afraid of the storm. Rather, they were shocked by His authority, and asked one another – Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him (Mk.4:41).