Why did Jesus teach in parables?
(Mark 4:1-34) Blog July 21-27, 2024
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: <Present TruthLRI@gmail.com>
REVIEW: Mark’s fast-moving account of the Gospel pictures Jesus efforts to teach truth while constantly being opposed by the Jewish religious system.
The Sower
1. In the parable of the sower what things were constant? The sower & the seed were constant (Mark 4:3-8).
2. On what four different kinds of soil did the good seed fall? Some seed fell on the hard pathway some on shallow soil, some on soil filled with weeds, & some on good soil (Mark 4:3-8).
3. What happened to the seed that fell on the hard pathway? It never sprouted but birds ate it up (Mark 4:4).
4. What happened to the seed that fell on the shallow soil? It sprouted but when hot weather came it withered & died (Mark 4:5-6)
5. What happened to the seed that fell on the weedy soil? It sprouted but the weeds grew bigger & choked it so that it bore no fruit (Mark 4:7)
6. What happened to the seed that fell on the good soil? It sprouted & grew big. eventually producing fruit (Mark 4:4)
7. Since the seed represents the Word of God planted in the hearts of men, what should we learn from this parable? While Satan snatches the Word from some who hear it, others believe for a while & then trials or temptations choke it out but those who receive the Word & remain in it, endure to the end, produce fruit & are saved, regardless of the quantity of fruit born (Mark 4:14-20).
Why Parables?
8. What was Jesus’ purpose in teaching in parables? Jesus taught using simple stories to arouse inquiry & so the unlearned could grasp his meaning if they chose to believe & those who thought themselves too wise to believe could find no basis for accusing him before the authorities (Mark 4:9-12; Matt. 11:25; John 7:17).
9. Who asked Jesus for an explanation of the parable of the sower? The disciples asked Jesus for an explanation of the parable of the sower (Mark 4:10)
10. In what way would Jesus’ simple stories be remembered? By using illustrations of common things seen in the daily lives of the people they would be reminded of his lessons every time they saw these common things again (Mark 4:3, 21, 26, 31).
11. How did Jesus illustrate the need of the people to take the truths they learned from his parables and share them with others? Jesus likened his truths to candlelight which when received should be shared with others (Mark 4:21-23).
12. What is Jesus saying in Mark 4:24-25? Jesus is saying that with what measure of sincere attention they listened to his instructions, they would receive like measure of knowledge in return. But those who did not desire the light of truth would grope in darkness & the darkness of their hearts would eventually be revealed in their actions (Mark 4:24-25).
More Parables
13. What should we learn from Jesus’ parable in Mark 4:26-29? Jesus is teaching that when the Word of God takes root in a person’s heart, the growth in grace is gradual towards maturity when God harvests & secures the person for eternity (Mark 4:26-29).
14. What personal application can we take from the parable of the mustard seed? Although only a tiny seed of truth be planted in a human heart, if it takes root it will through the mysterious influence of divine grace grow, producing a mature Christian who can provide help for many others (Mark 4:30-32).
15. What corporate application can we take from the parable of the mustard seed? Although Jesus’ ministry produced only a few humble believers, it took root & grew into a thriving Christian church after he left (Mark 4:30-32).
16. What thought is conveyed in all the parables told in Mark 4? Unless snatched away by Satan, God’s Word always sprouts, grows, & multiplies (Mark 4:25).