MARK IV
Jesus speaks in parables and commands the elements.
THE GOSPEL
ACCORDING TO SAINT MARK
CHAPTER IIII
“1 The parable of the sower, 14 and the meaning thereof. 21 We must communicate the light of our knowledge to others. 26 The parable of the seede growing secretly, 30 and the Mustard seede. 35 Christ stilleth the temptest on the Sea.”
The Translators
OVERVIEW
A great crowd gathered on the seashore where Jesus taught them from a boat. He spake parables of the sower and the seeds; some fell by the way side, some on stony ground, some withered under the heat of the sun and some fell among thorns. All these died, but those that fell upon good ground yielded fruit.
When he was alone with the disciples, he asked them the meaning of the parable. He asked, know ye not this parable? And then he explained. The Sower sows the word of God. Seed that falls on unfavorable ground is taken away by Satan, eaten by birds and some choked out by thorns and the deceitfulness of riches. But the seed sown on good ground thrived and produced fruit.
A candle was not meant to be hidden, but put on a candlestick. All things will be manifest.
To he that hath, it shall be given and he that hath not, it shall be taken. So, is the kingdom of God.
We may plant seeds in the evening and wake the next day to find they have ground, but we know not how. The earth brings forth fruit of her own. When the harvest is come, it is reaped.
To what shall we compare the kingdom of God? It’s like a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, but it grows into a great tree.
In public, Jesus spoke parables to the disciples, but in private, he explained their meaning.
Evening came and Jesus said to the disciples, let us cross to the other side of the sea. So, they sent the multitude away and entered a ship. There was a great storm, and the ship filled with water. Jesus was sleeping in the back of the ship and they woke him worried the ship would sink. Jesus rebuked the wind and sea and all became calm. He asked them why they were fearful, why they had no faith. And, they marveled saying to one another, what manner of man is this that even the wind and sea obey him?
V. 1
“1 And he beganne againe to teach by the Sea side: and there was gathered vnto him a great multitude, so that he entred into a ship, and sate in the Sea: and the whole multitude was by the Sea on the land.”
“The Sea” refers to the Sea of Galilee/Tiberius, which was actually a large lake. “A great multitude” describes many people, perhaps thousands that gathered on the land to hear Jesus. A short distance from shore, Jesus preached from a boat.
Vs. 2 - 3
“2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said vnto them in his doctrine, 3 Behold, there went out a sower to sow:”
Jesus spoke in parables, fulfilling a prophecy (Matthew 13:35). Jesus is the sower.
V. 4
“4 And it came to passe as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the foules of the aire came, & deuoured it vp.”
This refers to a general preaching of the Gospel, some of which is received, while some falls upon deaf ears. “Foules of the aire” may refer to Satan (prince of the power of the air, Ephesians 2:2) and his agents, who affect the hearts and minds of men to reject the Gospel.
V. 5
“5 And some fell on stonie ground, where it had not much earth: and immediately it sprang vp, because it had no depth of earth.”
“Stonie ground” refers to hearts not averse to the Gospel (perhaps intellectually), but not of a contrite and softness of heart. Thus, a quick and impulsive confession without deeper understanding or a repentant spirit usually falls away from the faith.
V. 6
“6 But when the Sunne was vp, it was scorched, and because it had no roote, it withered away.”
When challenges and persecutions come (the heat of the Sunne) their faith, having no depth or real commitment, withers away.
V. 7
“7 And some fell among thornes, and the thornes grew vp, and choked it, and it yeelded no fruite.”
This refers to worldly Christians, who care more for the things of the world than for Christ and the Gospel. They dwell among “thornes,” meaning that their hearts, minds and works are akin to the unsaved, who seek after riches and worldly acclaim. Such so-called Christians are soon consumed by the wickedness of the world: love of money, recognition, titles, material things and all the things the world seeks after.
V. 8
“8 And other fell on good ground, and did yeeld fruite that sprang vp, and increased, and brought foorth some thirtie, & some sixtie, & some an hundred.”
“Good ground” refers to hearts and minds ready to receive the Gospel and withstand the challenges of the world and the devil; to hold fast to the faith through all circumstances, harsh and mild. These same persons fully embrace the Gospel, are born again and receive the Holy Ghost. The permanence of their conversion and faith is made evident by their works (James 2:18); that being the fruit of their conversion.
V. 9
“9 And he said vnto them, He that hath eares to heare, let him heare.”
Many listening on the shore heard Jesus’ lesson, but not all received it. “Eares to heare” is a metaphor for those who receive the Gospel; it resonates in the heart, mind and spirit.
V. 10
“10 And when hee was alone, they that were about him, with the twelue, asked of him the parable.”
“They that were about him” refers to the twelve disciples and others who heard the parable, but not the entire multitude.
V. 11
“11 And he said vnto them, Unto you it is giuen to know the mystery of the kingdome of God: but vnto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:”
Those within the kingdom of God are born again (John 3:7) believers indwelled by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). Those without are non-believers, and deeper spiritual things are not understood by them. Their ears (v.9) and hearts are closed to the simplicity of the Gospel. What is “the mystery of the kingdome of God?” This refers to salvation by faith according to God’s grace, and not by the works of the Law. Salvation is a mystery to the unsaved because they believe in salvation by works; that is, they think that if they live a decent life for the most part, they will go to heaven, or if their good outweighs their bad, they will go to heaven. Thus, Jesus speaks in parables of sowing and reaping; that is to say not all who hear the Gospel and receive it initially are automatically saved. The Gospel must take firm root in the recipient’s heart and mind, and this is evidenced by the fruit produced (v.8).
V. 12
“12 That seeing they may see, and not perceiue, and hearing they may heare, and not vnderstand, lest at any time they should be conuerted, and their sinnes should be forgiuen them.”
This is a paraphrase of Isaiah 6:9. It is addressed to the proud and arrogant; those who believe they understand deeper spiritual matters of “the kingdome of God,” and in their ignorance, pride themselves in personal righteousness, ignoring the imputed righteousness of God to all who believe in Messiah. These are persons possessing no contriteness of heart, but only self importance and presumptive spiritual elitism. They say they can see, but they have no understanding of the nature of God and salvation, and the Gospel message falls on their ears as deaf persons.
V. 13
“13 And he said vnto them, Know ye not this parable? And how then will you know all parables?”
Jesus referred them back to Isaiah 6:9, asking if they knew the parable; for, this may be considered a basic parable that all should easily understand. Yet, Jesus implies that if they don’t know its meaning, then they certainly will not know any others.
V. 14
“14 The Sower soweth the word.”
“The Sower” is Jesus Christ, and vicariously, we, by the power of the Holy Spirit, who follow him and share his word.
V. 15
“15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sowen, but when they haue heard, Satan commeth immediately, and taketh away the word that was sowen in their hearts.”
Jesus explains the parable. Some hear the word and are receptive, but not committed. The devil then comes and presents various temptations, distractions and enticements that have greater influence over them than the Gospel. These are typically worldly things: lust, greed, acclaim, success, money, influence and pride. Having been given the choice between Christ and temporal carnal things, they choose the latter; for, Satan meets the base desires of their heart; and, whatever shred of the Gospel was planted in them fades into nothing but a fleeting memory.
Vs. 16 - 17
“16 And these are they likewise which are sowen on stonie ground, who when they haue heard the word, immediately receiue it with gladnesse: 17 And haue no roote in themselues, and so endure but for a time: afterward when affliction or persecution ariseth for the words sake, immediately they are offended.”
Some hear the Gospel, receive it and rejoice greatly. Fundamentally, they understand it, but deep in their heart have prevailing desires that, when eventually subjected to trials, tribulations and persecutions, they begin to question the practicality of the Gospel. Like the Hebrews delivered from Egypt, they look back and desire the familiarity and security of their former bondage. Their faith appears real provided their personal comforts are not challenged. When faced with the decision to follow Jesus in all circumstances or the world, they choose the latter.
Vs. 18 - 19
“18 And these are they which are sowen among thorns: such as heare the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulnesse of riches, and the lusts of other things entring in, choke the word, and it becommeth vnfruitfull.”
“The cares of the world” include daily challenges of survival and the pursuit of wealth and success, and misguided concern for appearances. Such persons, for a time, may give the impression of believing, but deep down are fearful and cling to worldly securities more than God. Eventually, the deep desires of their heart overtake the Gospel and choke it, rendering it impotent.
V. 20
“20 And these are they which are sowen on good ground, such as heare the word, and receiue it, & bring foorth fruit, some thirty fold, some sixtie, and some an hundred.”
A true believer brings forth fruit; that is the measure of faith. James wrote, “Euen so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17) “…I will shew thee my faith by my workes.” (James 2:18) “Was not Abraham iustified by works…” (James 2:23) “…by works a man is iustified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:24) Thus, seed that is sown on good ground proves it is good and enduring seed by producing fruit.
V. 21
“21 And he said vnto them, Is a candle brought to be put vnder a bushell, or vnder a bed? & not to be set on a candlesticke?”
Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). If we have truly received Christ, been born again and indwelled by the Holy Ghost, should that light not shine through us? Or, do we receive the light and then cover it that no one may see? Jesus said of believers, “Yee are the light of the world. A citie that is set on an hill, cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14) The light in us is evidenced by our fruit. If there is no fruit, then there is no light in us.
V. 22
“22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested: neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.”
This applies most directly to the Gospel, which has been fully revealed and published to the world. The entire doctrines of soteriology and faith and practice have been perfectly and thoroughly delineated. We need not guess about these things, as they were taught without error by Jesus to the disciples and, in turn, written down in Gospels and Epistles.
V. 23
“23 If any man haue eares to heare, let him heare.”
Jesus speaks not of literal ears, but of spiritual ears. Through whatever circumstances and events a person’s heart may be made ready to hear. Is it a matter of man’s free will, Divine intervention or both? We cannot be certain; yet, some are more predisposed to ‘spiritual hearing’ than others.
V. 24
“24 And he said vnto them, Take heed what you heare: With what measure ye mete, it shalbe measured to you: And vnto you that heare, shal more be giuen.”
Whatever level of understanding a person has, Jesus asks them to act upon it; that is to heed that which we know, not ignore it. And, abundantly share our knowledge with others, holding back nothing; for, those who freely and abundantly give, will be blessed with greater spiritual hearing and understanding.
V. 25
“25 For he that hath, to him shall be giuen: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken, euen that which he hath.”
Knowledge and understanding shall be added to the person who pursues, understands and practices the will of God. But, those who are ambivalent and lack passion and diligence for the word of God will not progress in the faith, but will regress. They will become even more ignorant.
Vs. 26 - 27
“26 And he said, So is the kingdome of God, as if a man should cast seede into the ground, 27 And should sleepe, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring, and grow vp, he knoweth not how.”
Believers are called to share the Gospel with others. But, God gives the increase; and, man does not always know how, where or when; for, that is the province of God. No matter whether a man sleeps or watches the field, the seeds spring up independent of his observation; and he doesn’t know how.
V. 28
“28 For the earth bringeth foorth fruite of herselfe, first the blade, then the eare, after that the full corne in the eare.”
In part, Jesus references Genesis 1:11-12, where God put the seeds in the ground before man was created. God provides both physical and spiritual nourishment. To man, it appears that the earth brings forth plants and fruit of its own accord. Yet, God ordered all things; and, upon the earth bringing forth fruit, man was commissioned to plant and cultivate. Similarly, the word of God belongs to God and he commissioned believers to dispense it to the world; sow it like a farmer plants seeds. But, once sown the germination is a mystery; for, God is the giver of life on every level. And, God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-9).
V. 29
“29 But when the fruite is brought foorth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the haruest is come.”
This refers to the entire fruit of the harvest of believers, which occurs at Christ’s second coming. Matthew wrote, “And hee shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his Elect from the foure windes, from one end of heauen to the other.” (Matthew 24:31)
V. 30
“30 And he said, Wherunto shal we liken the kingdome of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it?”
Jesus begins the next section of this chapter with a question about the nature of the kingdom of God; that we might examine our understanding and also consider his answer.
V. 31
“31 It is like a graine of mustard seed: which when it is sowen in the earth, is lesse then all the seedes that be in the earth.”
Mustard seeds are very small, perhaps one to two millimeters in diameter. A mustard tree can grow to 30 feet in height. Similarly, the Gospel was initially spread by a handful of illiterate fishermen. Despite their lack of influence in society and modest economic status, this small seemingly-insignificant group spread the Gospel throughout the Roman Empire, and from there it spread to the rest of world.
V. 32
“32 But when it is sowen, it groweth vp, and becommeth greater then all herbes, & shooteth out great branches, so that the fowles of the aire may lodge vnder the shadow of it.”
Because it can grow into a tall, expansive tree, it might be considered greater than all herbs. Like the Gospel, it provides umbrage for all who might seek shelter under its branches.
V. 33
“33 And with many such parables spake hee the word vnto them, as they were able to heare it.”
(I am preparing a list of all Jesus' parables, which I'll insert here at a later date, prior to going to print.)
V. 34
“34 But without parable spake he not vnto them, and when they were alone, hee expounded all things to his disciples.”
When speaking publicly, Jesus most often taught in parables, but in private among his 12 disciples, he explained the parables and other doctrines of the kingdom of God. Perhaps the general public was not ready to receive some of the more challenging doctrines and would have misunderstood them. Furthermore, Jesus commissioned the 12 disciples to first learn the Gospel from him then dispense it accurately. Preparation would take time and intensive lessons from Jesus.
V. 35
“35 And the same day, when the Euen was. Come, he saith vnto them, Let vs passe ouer vnto the other side.”
Jesus and the 12 disciples would cross the Sea of Galilee to Gergesenes. Matthew also gives account with more surrounding details in previous and latter verses (Matthew 8: 23-27).
V. 36
“36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they tooke him, euen as he was in the ship, and there were also with him other litle ships.”
Having sent the multitude away, the disciples brought Jesus to the ship, and there were other smaller ships around them.
V. 37
“37 And there arose a great storme of wind, and the saues beat into the ship, so that it was now full.”
While at sea, a storm came and filled the ship with water, to the point of sinking.
V. 38
“38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship asleepe on a pillow: and they awake him, and say vnto him, Master, carest thou not, that we perish?”
Fatigued from his day’s work preaching to the multitude, Jesus fell asleep in the stern of the ship. Meanwhile the storm raged round about. The disciples concerned, wake him, impressing upon him the urgency of the situation.
V. 39
“39 And hee arose, and rebuked the winde, and said vnto the sea, Peace, be still: and the winde ceased, and there was a great calme.”
With no apparent ceremony, Jesus simply commanded the elements to be still, and it was so.
V. 40
“40 And he said vnto them, Why are ye so fearefull? How is it that you haue no faith?”
Jesus knew why they were afraid, but he wanted them to reason through their fear. What was there to fear? Jesus was with them. Were they uncertain who Jesus is?
V. 41
“41 And they feared exceedingly, and saide one to another, What maner of man is this, that euen the winde and the sea obey him?”
Not just the disciples, but all aboard the ship saw Jesus command the wind and sea. Naturally, they were confused and fearful, not knowing what manner of man Jesus was. Was he even a man, or was he God? Who commands the elements but God? We imagine that they reasoned accordingly.