Read: Mark 4:21-34 NLT – Parable of the Lamp – Then Jesus asked – Bible Gateway
“Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more.” Mark 4:24 NLT
Last Sunday in our study in the book of Mark we looked at one of many of Jesus’ parables, the Parable of the Farmer’s Seed. This week we review three rather short parables, one which is a continuation from lasts week. We noted last week that Jesus’ teaching was to instruct His disciples. His teaching was not revealed to the crowds because they would not understand. But this week, Jesus says after one of His parables, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Mk.4:24-25 nlt)
Jesus is telling them and us to pay close attention and listen to His words. For us, we have His written words in Scripture to pay attention to. Although Jesus’ teaching may be hard to understand along with the rest of the Bible, we are not to neglect reading it and should take in what we can. Reading carefully, prayerfully, and paying attention to the Holy Spirit’s guidance will reveal truths you haven’t seen before. You can trust Jesus when He says, the closer you listen, the more you will understand, and you will receive even more understanding through the Holy Spirit as you dive into His Word.
The first parable of our three this week is the ‘Parable of the Lamp.’ Jesus asks the question; would anyone light a lamp and hide it so no one would see the light? Obviously, the answer is no. The lamp is to be placed appropriately on the lampstand to bring light into the home. Here Jesus is saying He is the light of the world and will one day be revealed as such. Jesus then says, “For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.” (Mk.4:22 nlt) Who Jesus is going to be revealed. During Jesus’ time on earth many things were not in view but will be uncovered beginning with Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus tells those listening to Him and to us,
“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mk.4:23 nlt)
Our second parable picks up where last week’s left off. It is the Parable of the Growing Seed. The book of Mark is the only place where this parable is recorded. Last week’s parable concentrated on the soil and peoples’ responses to the gospel message. This parable’s emphasis is on the power of the seed which is the gospel message. The seed of the Word of God planted in peoples’ hearts will begin to produce fruit. Jesus’ illustration is as follows, “The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.” (Mk.4:28 nlt) The Word sown in a receptive heart will always grow. The power of the gospel is in the seed. Sometimes growth is slow, but it is sure to produce fruit. It works in a person’s heart through the Holy Spirit until salvation occurs by accepting Christ. (Mk.4:29)
Our third and final parable is the Parable of the Mustard Seed. This parable along with the first two describe bringing about the kingdom of God. “Jesus said, ‘How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it?’” (Mk.4:30 nlt) Jesus told a story of the mustard seed in parable form. The mustard seed was one of the smallest seeds in the Palestinian region. The mustard plant will grow to 10-12ft high. It is not unusual to reach a height of 15ft. The point is what is starting out small with only Jesus preaching along with His disciples will flourish and spread rapidly across the world and at rapid speed. “It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” (Mk.4:31-32 nlt)
Jesus always spoke in parables in His public teaching throughout His ministry. His illustrations were in the simplest terms of everyday life so that the people could relate. They were earthly stories but had a heavenly meaning. As Jesus would say, ‘those with ears to hear, and hearts turned towards God, should listen, pay attention and understand.’ A lesson for us in understanding His Word by having our hearts committed and dedicated to the Lord and His purposes advancing the kingdom of God.
Word for the Soul 