Time for reflection on life, resolution for change. The Scripture speaks mysteries revealed to those who listen & promises growth. From Concealed to Revealed Mark 4:21-25 Parable of the Lamp v.21. The purpose of a lamp is to bring light. It must be put high on a stand. Lit., “does the lamp come…” The lamp has come. Jesus is the lamp of God who has come to bring light and revelation. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” –Jn 8:12

If Jesus had come in the full glory of God, it would have been overwhelming. “God dwells in unapproachable light, no one has seen or can see him”- Tim 6:16 If God had come without being concealed in the humanity of Christ, his coming would have been like the of the sun coming to earth – blinding, overwhelming. {We can only see God hidden in the humanity of Christ.}

v.22. The kingdom and Jesus’ role were hidden at that time. But Jesus’ present concealment contains seeds of what will be revealed.

vv.23-24a. Jesus is hidden in order to be manifested. The parable of the sower warned against letting life distract you from the seeds of life. “Pay attention to what you hear.” True believers contemplate Jesus’ words. {You are like a prisoner whose one chance of escape depends on hearing and solving a riddle.} The entryway into the kingdom of God is through hearing Jesus’ words.

vv. 24b-25. The degree to which you hear Jesus’ words and apply his teachings will determine the measure of your understanding. Those who are hurried, distracted, or half-hearted will miss the kingdom. Jesus’ disciples hear & the mysteries of God’s kingdom will be disclosed to them.

From Insignificant to Incomprehensible Mark 4:26-35 Parable of the Growing Seed v.26. The kingdom of God is like a man scatters seed on the ground. WHAT!?!? It should be compared to something grand and glorious. Majestic mountain peaks, thunder and lightning, a rich ruler, a powerful gladiator. Seed scattered on the ground is not a motivating analogy. This is the paradox of the gospel. This is the scandal of the incarnation: the gospel is disguised in commonness. Jesus was seen as an ordinary, unschooled man from a small town in the sticks. But listen to his words, listen to what he says. Jesus’ words reveal he is much more than a man or teacher or prophet. Jesus is God, very near and very present.

vv.27-28. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to small, but relentless growth. The farmer waits. He sleeps & gets up. Life goes on for him. But hidden in the soil, the seed sprouts and grows. It has life in itself.

v.29. The harvest symbolizes the arrival of God’s kingdom, especially judgment. You and I can try to force God’s kingdom, but it has greater power than you & me. What God requires of his disciples is to have humble confidence that God has invaded this troubled world with a seed, and he will ensure its fruitful harvest.

If you are a believer, the kingdom of God is growing in you. It is slow, almost imperceptible but it has the power of God to bring life and grow. We progress in growth as believers when we have hope that God is working in us. In struggling against sin, in seasons of doubt, in periods of stagnation… You don’t know how, but the kingdom of God grows in you. Let the fact that God is working in you give you hope to continue to grow in faith.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6

vv. 30-34. Parable of the Mustard Seed Vv.30-32. What appears to be the smallest is the greatest. In what’s hidden is the foundation of a work that will encompass the whole world. vv. 33-34. For the 10th time in Chapter 4, Mark refers to “hearing” Jesus’ words.