Opening Question
Why do people enjoy riddles?
Introduction
This week’s study examines the Parables in Mark 4. In many ways, this chapter is parallel to Matthew 13. Jesus was not unlike the Rabbis of His day in using parables. But for Jesus, the parable was the vehicle to communicate the reality and characteristics of the Kingdom, not just reinforce Rabbinic traditions.
Mark 4:1-9, 14-20
The parable of the Sower is the quintessential simile: “the Kingdom of Heaven is like…” But this story also provides us a means of understanding how parables function; Jesus gives us an interpretation. While many scholars argue for one main point for parables, this one appears to have several facets that contribute to a final conclusion: everyone has a different type of receptivity to the gospel message.
Can we change our heart-soil ourselves? Are our more Calvinist-leaning friends correct when they argue that different heart-types are chosen and fixed by God?
Mark 4:10-13
This is a challenging segment between the Parable of the Sower and its interpretation. Jesus explains why uses parables and defends it by quoting Isaiah. But it is also problematic on the surface. It seems Jesus uses parables so some people will never understand, perhaps like telling a difficult riddle to a simple-minded or slow-thinking person. The harder the riddle, but more likely they will be to be stumped and never catch on.
Is Jesus trying to keep people from understanding the Kingdom of Heaven? Why would using Parables be a way of sifting his hearers between those possessing spiritual initiative and true interest, and those merely seeking to twist His words and condemn Him?
Mark 4:21-23
The teaching about a lamp is about more than a lamp… right?
What is Jesus comparing a lamp to exactly? How does this fit with Jesus’ words about people being the light of the world and His own disciples’ role in sharing the kingdom teachings? How does this teaching amplify Jesus’ use of parables with “hidden” meanings?
Mark 4:24-25
Jesus speaks about measuring here, likening the weighing of grain, flour, spices or other dry goods with our general generosity.
What is God’s standard of measurement toward us? And how does He decide whom to be generous toward?
Mark 4:26-29
This parable about the growing grain also teaches us about maturity. At each stage, though not yet complete, the grain is adequate for its growth. It is not fair to expect grain immediately, thus we learn about discipleship here.
How does this parable help us maintain perspective when considering our own spiritual growth in stages while also looking forward to full maturity? Will I know when I’ve become spiritually “ripe”?
Mark 4:30-34
The mustard seed here is called the “smallest of al seeds,” yet that is not scientifically correct; neither is the contention that it becomes the largest plant. But the truth is that the kingdom which starts small in the world grows to become the largest, rivaling even the Babylonian kingdom which God compared to a large tree giving shade to the birds of the air.
Can this parable apply not just to the kingdom itself, but to our own personal experience, where the growth begins with just a seed in our lives, but becomes all-pervasive?
Closing Comments
The section ends with Jesus explaining everything to the disciples privately. This suggests that those who truly wanted to know the answer to the riddles could get it just by pressing forward to Jesus and asking. He was ready to fill those who hungered and thirsted for righteousness.
