Bible Verse Synopsis 7-3-25

Mark 4:

Jesus began again to teach by the sea side. He preached from a boat in the water so as not to heal the afflicted of their sin but to preach to us about sin. Jesus teaches with parables on purpose. This is by design. We must give careful thought to the Word of God. Without this careful thought and time spent with Him and the Word, we cannot have the Holy Spirit impute on us the true meaning of the Word. Verse 9 tells us as much: “And He said unto them, He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Are you prepared to spend the time necessary with the Word for the Holy Spirit to affect your life?

Verses 3-8 give us the parable of the sower and tells us of how different seeds grow in different environments. The seed that falls by the rocky ground dies quickly without a root. The seed that falls by the wayside is eaten by the birds. The seed that falls amongst the thorns is choked out. The seed that is sowed into rich ground will yield fruit. The seeds which we are meant to sow are the seeds of the Gospel. Not every seed will take hold but the ones that do will flourish and bear fruit. Just as the seed of the Gospel in us allows us to bear fruit for the Kingdom. Where do the seeds you plant land? Is the seed you have sprung from borne any fruit?

Jesus is asked why He speaks in parables in Verse 10. In Verse 11 He answers: “ And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God: but unto them who are without, all these things are done in Parables.” Verse 12 continues his answer: “That seeing they may see; and hearing they may hear, and not understand, lest any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.” Do you understand this parable? As I mentioned in the first paragraph, we have to sit and think with the Word to understand it. The curious who stop short of deep thought and reflection of the Word, will never understand it. Seeing and hearing the Word alone is not enough. As Solomon taught us in Ecclesiastes, forsake the knowledge of the World and seek the knowledge of God. That is not to say we are to ignore the World completely. Instead, it says to focus more on God. Christ is saying the same thing here. By focusing on Him we can overcome our shortcomings. Are you ready to change your focus?

In Verse 15-20 Jesus explains the parable of the sower in His own words. He provides a level of clarity on how the seeds react when hearing the Word and then the subsequent reaction to the trials of man. Satan comes for the seeds thrown aside and taken away the Word. The seeds on the stony ground wither when faced by afflictions. The seeds in the thorns choke out the Word with lust. And the seeds on the good ground take root and produce fruit. The seeds are the Word. Whosoever hears the Word determines where the seed lies. Is this made clear by Christ’s explanation? Where does your seed reside?

In Verses 21-25 Christ gives another parable. The Word is not meant to be hidden or kept secret in the way that a candle is meant to be on a candlestick, not under a bed nor a bushel. The Word is meant to go abroad. Christ tells us that in Verses 22. It isn’t meant for secrecy or only the special ones, it is meant for all. Verse 25 says: “For he who has, to him shall be given: and he who has not, from him shall be taken even that which he has.” This is in reference to our spiritual gifts and knowledge. Without persistence and study of the Word, our gifts will fail us. Will God grow your knowledge? Or will He take it away?

The church and the Word of God begins as a mustard seed in Verses 30-34. It was the least of all on the earth. Verse 32 says: “But when it is sown, it grows up, and becomes greater than all herbs, shoots out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.” The church has become the largest religion on Earth. The branches are endless and trace to every corner of the globe. From the smallest seed, one man, came the greatest belief system the World could ever know. The fowl are the corrupted which still take refuge here, even though their faith is weak. Is your faith in the smallest seed stronger than ever - or are you corrupted in your beliefs like the fowl seeking shade?

In Verse 34 we are informed that Jesus spoke in parables to the many, but when alone with His disciples he expounded on the parable. How glorious would it be to have been in the shoes of the disciples? Having Jesus explain His parables to us. No searching for the right words but being spoon-fed exactly what He meant. This is why we are told to spend time with the Word. So the Spirit can open our ears and our hearts to what the Lord means in His Word.

When Jesus was done speaking to the people (all in parables), He said “Let us pass over unto the other side.” - Verse 35. There arose a great storm of wind and waves beat against the ship. Jesus was asleep in the rear of the ship and the Disciples woke Him in fear. Jesus arose and “said unto the sea, Peace, be still.” - Verse 39. He asked them why they were so afraid. “How is it that ye have no faith?” - Verse 40. Then the Twelve feared Him. They knew not the full extent of His power so they were afraid. We can draw a parallel from this story. Our lives are the sea. At times the water is smooth. At others, it is rocky. Through faith in Christ, our waters will be subdued from the storms of life. With our faith in Him every sea can be crossed. It is also a reminder to fear God and His power. He has at His disposal the entire cosmos. Are you ready to cross the next storm with Christ as your Captain?