By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

(Read: Mark 4:1-41)

“With many such parables spake (Jesus) the word unto them, as they were able to hear it” (Mark 4:33).

Insight: A parable in the Bible is a simple story to provide a more profound lesson or teaching! From the divine wisdom of Jesus Christ, we can learn transcendent, everlasting truths in the simple parables of the Bible.

The Rev. Ron Purkey

First, sowing (Mark 4:1-20, 30-34). Jesus explained the parable and emphasized that knowing it was basic to understanding all parables (verse 13, and see Matthew 13:1-23). Unless our hearts are prepared to receive the seed of the Bible, we cannot grow in grace or knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).

The sower originally was Jesus, who came teaching the word of God (the seed) and seeking a harvest. Today, anyone who shares God’s word with others is sowing the seed. Like seed, God’s word is “living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12) and, when cultivated, can produce fruit.

Second, informing (Mark 4:21-25). The word “hear” is used 13 times in this chapter and refers to the receiving of God’s truth into the inner person, just the way soil receives the seed. We must be careful how we hear (Luke 8:18) and what we hear (verse 24); for this determines what we have to share with others.

We do not receive the word so we can enjoy it by ourselves. We receive that we might share, just as a lamp gives itself to provide light for the house (see Matthew 5:15-16 and Luke 11:33-36).

Third, reaping (Mark 4:26-29). This parable can be summarized in four words: sowing (verse 26), sleeping (verse 27), growing (verse 28), reaping (verse 29). All we can do is sow the seed; God alone can give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

We cannot make the seed grow; in fact, we do not fully understand how the seed grows. Our task is to sow the seed and be alert when the harvest is ready (John 4:35-38).

While sleeping is sometimes a picture of sin (Romans 13:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11), here it simply reminds us that hard-working people need their rest (see Mark 6:31). If workers do not take care of themselves, they cannot do the work God has called them to do.

Fourth, trusting (Mark 4:35-41). Jesus completed the lesson and then gave his disciples an unexpected examination! They had listened to the word of God, and that word should have increased their faith (Romans 10:17). So that they might not fail the test!

It is not unusual for terrible storms to come suddenly on the Sea of Galilee, although this one may have been satanic in origin.

The word “rebuked” in verse 39 is the same word Jesus used when dealing with the demons (Mark 1:25). Perhaps the enemy was trying to keep Jesus from arriving at Gadara, where He would deliver two demoniacs from Satan’s power. “With Christ in the vessel, you can smile at the storm”— if your faith is in Christ and him alone.

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.