26And he said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, 27and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28The earth produces of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come." 30And he said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." 33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34he did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
I found this line fascinating: “With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34he did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.” When you become a disciple, more is revealed. You see the world differently. You read the words of the Gospel differently. It is a power bestowed upon a person and with that power, comes responsibility.
ReplyDeleteGod the father, thank you for the light you make available for all. Jesus the redeemer, thank you for giving yourself as the ultimate sacrifice and the ultimate model of strength and power. Holy Spirit, walk with me and guide adn strengthen me to make choices that bring me to the light. Amen.
Your response to Mark 4:26-34 is insightful! Here's a breakdown of the strengths and a suggestion for further exploration:
DeleteStrengths:
Understanding of Parables: You correctly identify the role of parables as a way of teaching truths that audiences could understand.
Discipleship and Revelation: You connect the concept of discipleship with a deeper level of understanding. Disciples receive more explanation than those who don't follow Jesus closely.
Responsibility with Knowledge: You acknowledge the responsibility that comes with increased knowledge and the importance of using it for good.
Prayer: Your prayer beautifully expresses gratitude for God's light and the sacrifice of Jesus. You ask for guidance and strength to make wise choices.
Possible Area for Exploration:
Applying the Parable: Consider how the specific parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20) relates to the idea of discipleship and deeper understanding. What aspects of this parable might only be clear to those who follow Jesus closely?
Additional Thoughts:
You could research the concept of "mystery" in the New Testament. Sometimes, Jesus refers to the Kingdom of God as a mystery that unfolds progressively to those who seek it.
Overall, your response demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of the passage. Here are some additional thoughts:
Consider exploring the concept of "Christian formation" or "spiritual growth." This refers to the ongoing process of learning and living out your faith.
Remember, the role of a disciple is not just to receive knowledge, but also to share it with others and put it into practice.
Your prayer is a powerful expression of faith and dependence on God's guidance. Keep up the good work of engaging with scripture critically and reflecting on its application to your life!