Discover the Gospel of Mark in 3 WeeksSample

Hearing, Understanding (somewhat), and Responding to Jesus - Part 2 of 2 (Mark 3:13-4:34)

And Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear had better listen!” Mark 4:9 (NIV)

Context:

The readings for Days 5 and 6 may be viewed as two parts of one section. On Day 5, we looked at Mark’s contrast of those who truly “hear” and “respond” to Jesus with those who don’t (Mark 3:13-35). Today, we will examine how Jesus used parables to invite all his listeners to “hear,” to “understand,” and to “respond” to him in faith (Mark 4:1-34).

As its own type of literature, we must understand both the “purpose” and the “parts” of a parable to interpret it properly.

PURPOSE: Jesus did not use parables simply to illustrate spiritual truths. Instead, their main purpose was:

1. To grab the attention of his audience - “Whoever has ears to hear…” (Mark 4:9, 23)
   • But note: to truly “hear” his words means to “understand” what he meant and what the kingdom of God is truly like (Mark 4:12-13, 34; 7:14; 8:17-21);
   • Also note: nobody, not even the disciples, fully “understands” Jesus without his help (Mark 4:10, 13, 34)
2. Ultimately, to call forth a “response” of faith towards Jesus and his kingdom (Mark 4:24-25)

PARTS: In observing and interpreting parables, we must identify:

1. The Audience - Who is around Jesus as he is telling the parable? Parables are usually designed to target specific listeners.
2. The Reference Points - The elements that need to be understood in order to interpret the parable appropriately. Which details contribute to the parable’s meaning and point to something beyond the story (and which can be ignored)?
3. The Kingdom Truth - what is the main point the parable is teaching about God’s kingdom (which is calling for a “response” from the parable’s audience)?

Observation:

Mark 4:1-34 is focused on the parables of Jesus. As you read them, highlight Jesus’s repeated call to “listen” and to “hear.” Also, in another color, highlight the repeated reference to the kingdom of God. What is said about God’s kingdom?

In observation, we can identify the audience and reference points of a parable. For the parable of the sower, Jesus helps us by identifying (and even interpreting) the reference points in his own explanation!

1. Audience - the parable is told to the crowd (Mark 4:1-2), although Jesus explains its meaning to his disciples after they ask him about it (Mark 4:10-13)
2. Reference Points -
   • The seed = the Word (Mark 4:14)
   • The path where birds ate seed = those who hear the Word but it is snatched away by Satan (Mark 4:15)
   • The seed on the rocks = those who receive the Word with joy but have no root and do not endure (Mark 4:16-17)
   • The seed among thorns = those who hear the Word but it is choked out by the worries of this life, deceitfulness of wealth, and other desires (Mark 4:18-19)
   • The seed on good soil = those who hear the Word, accept it, and produce a harvest (Mark 4:20)

Interpretation:

In interpretation, you can now consider what the parable of the sower reveals about God’s kingdom.

3. What Kingdom Truth does it teach? And what “response” does Jesus want from his disciples and the crowds after hearing this truth about his kingdom?

Also, consider the original readers of this gospel, living in Rome. Every day they would be reminded of the power of the mighty Roman Empire.

• How is the kingdom Jesus teaches about in these parables different from the earthly kingdom currently ruling over them?
• While the readers remained under the government of Rome, Jesus was now the primary object of their loyalty. How might the original readers’ lives reflect their allegiance to Jesus? What might make this difficult?

Application:

What stood out to you from today’s reading? What did you hear?

Do you feel like you understand what you heard? What truths about God’s kingdom were illustrated? How is it different from the earthly kingdoms you are familiar with?

How is the Spirit inviting you to respond to this truth in a practical way?