Mark 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 4:14-20 – Sower Parable Explained

Mark 4:14-20 – Sower Parable Explained

|| Matthew 13:18-23;[1] Luke 8:11-15

MK4:14 “The Sower sows the Word. MK4:15 Now those by the side of the road where the Word is sown, when they hear Satan arrives instantly and takes away the Word that was sown in their hearts. MK4:16 And in the same way those sown on rocky soil, these are those who when they have heard the Word receive it at first with great joy. MK4:17 But, without any real roots they endure only for a little while, and as soon as trouble or oppression occurs because of the Word, they instantly stumble. MK4:18 Now those that are sown among the thorns, these are those who hear the Word, MK4:19 but the anxieties of this period of time,[2] and the seduction of riches choke the Word,[3] and it becomes unfruitful. MK4:20 Finally, those who are sown in good soil are those who hear the Word and welcome it and also produce fruitage – some thirty, some sixty, and some one-hundred.”

*

[1] Matthew 13:18-23: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Anxieties of this period of time: Or, KJV: cares of this world; NEB: worldly cares; GDS: worries of the time; MON: anxieties of life. [1 John 2:15-17]

“15 Do not continue loving the world-order of humanity, nor the things in the world-order of humanity. If anyone ever loves the world-order of humanity then the love of the Father is not in such a person. 16 Because everything in the world-order of humanity – the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the prideful display of possessions of this life – it is not of the Father but it is from the world-order of humanity. 17 For the world-order of humanity is going its way and its desire with it, but the person doing the will of The God will remain throughout that new Age to come.” (1Jo 2:15-17 mhm)

[3] The seduction of riches choke the Word: Or, KJV: the deceitfulness of riches; RIE: lure of; NEB: false glamour of wealth; WMS: deceiving pleasures of being rich. [1 John 2:15-17]

+

Preceding

Matthew 13:10-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Why Speak in Parables?

Mark 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 4:1-9 – Teaching in Parables

Mark 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 4:10-13 – How Will You Understand?

++

Additional reading

1. Seeds, weeds and kingdoms
2. Jesus the Storyteller 2 Interpreting Jesus’ stories
3. The Parable of the Sower

+++

Related

1. Speaking in Parables
2. Parable of the Sower
3. The Parable of the Sower
4. We Are the Soil
5. What kind of seed are you?
6. What Kind Of Soil Does Your Seed Grow In
7. The Garden of our Heart
8. The Seeds We are Called to Sow
9. Seeds and Me
10. Sunday Sermon: Sowing Discipleship
11. Aim To Pass The Test
12. How Is Your Hearing?
13. Exploring The Parable of the Sower
14. The Parable of the Sower in Modern Day
15. Matthew 13: Jesus, the Greatest Storyteller Speaks in Parables to Bring the Kingdom to Us
16. Overcoming the Thorns
17. Mark 4:18-19
18. What You Can’t Buy
19. Search Me, God

Matthew 25:1-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment by the King and Ten Virgins

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE:
THE ARRIVAL AND THE JUDGMENT

[“Parousia-Judgment”]
(Key word: Judgment)

Matthew 25:1-12 – Judgment by the King and Ten Virgins

MT25:1 “At that time[1] the Realm of Heaven will become like[2] ten virgins[3] who took their lamps[4] to go to the meeting of the bridegroom.[5] MT25:2 But five of them were foolish and five wise. MT25:3 The foolish took their lamps but had no oil. MT25:4 The wise had oil in their lamps. MT25:5 Now when the bridegroom seemed to be taking his time[6] the ten virgins nodded into sleep.[7] MT25:6 In the middle of the night an outcry occurred:[8] ‘Look! the bridegroom! Be on your way to the meeting!’ MT25:7 Then all the virgins rose[9] and put their lamps in order. MT25:8 But the foolish asked the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil because our lamps are ready to go out.’[10] MT25:9 Now the wise virgins answered, ‘No, for perhaps there will not be enough for both of us.[11] Go now and buy oil[12] for yourselves from those who sell it.’ MT25:10 But while the foolish were off to buy oil the bridegroom arrived[13] and those who were ready entered with him to the wedding feast and the door was shut. MT25:11 Arriving late the foolish virgins begged, ‘Master, Master,[14] let us in!’ MT25:12 However, [the bridegroom] said: ‘I tell you this truth: I never knew you.’[15]

*

[1] At that time: The Greek is TOTE and records what happens during the period last mentioned: the judgment on the household when the master arrives.

[2] Realm of Heaven will become like: There is something about the Church and its membership which can be compared to these ten virgins at this particular prophetic moment.

[3] Ten virgins: The total or complete number of Christians on earth at the moment of the parousia. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:3.

[4] Lamps: Jesus has likened a lamp and the light it sheds as righteous works. See the notes on Matthew 5:14-16. The Word of God is likened to a “lamp” in Psalm 119:105 (Proverbs 6:23; 2 Peter 1:19). The oil which fuels the lamp as the holy Pneuma (2 Samuel 22:29). It is God who lights the lamp (Psalm 18:28). Considering these and other texts the “lamp” is that opportunity and privilege to reveal the sacred truths which light our moral and prophetic way. It is that illumination which is needed to keep one focused on the Return of the King, the parousia.

[5] Meeting of the bridegroom: Jesus compares himself to a “bridegroom” at John 3:29. Paul uses similar language at 2 Corinthians 11:3 and Ephesians 5:29-33. In Revelation 19:7 and apocalyptic wedding is seen in vision. It occurs following the great oppression and the Parousia and precedes the Lamb’s battle with “the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 21:9)

[6] Seemed to be taking his time: Christians have longed for the Return of Christ as the Jewish ancients also asked “How long?” and “When?” for thousands of years. The Greek word here is CHRONIZONTOS and there is a related word in Habakkuk 2:3, “… though he should tarry wait for him.” Christians keep watching the prophetic horizon. Some read too much into this and in their presumptuousness (Deuteronomy 18:21-22) wrongly predict dates; others, read too little and become too involved in what Jesus calls “the anxieties of life.” (See the notes on Matthew 13:22) The whole thrust of the several parables beginning with Matthew 24:43 is to remain alert, awake and in read expectation. NEB: the bridegroom was late in coming. The opposite of modern weddings as the bride is traditionally late.

[7] Ten virgins nodded into sleep: Will there be a period of time, a moment in the history of the Gospel Age, when Christians in general become lethargic, indifferent, and spiritually asleep? Or is that time already here. Compare 1 Corinthians 11:26, 30.

“For as often as you may ever be eating the Loaf and be drinking the Cup you continue to announce the death of the Master until he should return.” (1Co 11:26 mhm)

“Because of this many among you are weak and sick, and a sufficient number of you are asleep.” (1Co 11:30 mhm)

[8] An outcry occurred: Someone is alert and rouses the “virgins” whether foolish or wise.

[9] All the virgins rose: Note “all” the virgins awaken. It is not a parable about two class: one asleep and one awake. They are both awake, but one group is ill-prepared.

[10] Our lamps are ready to go out: The lesson is one of preparedness. Only one who has been caught on a dark night without light knows the panic.

[11] Not be enough for both of us: A case where a Christian does not share.

[12] Buy oil: See Proverbs 23:23.

[13] The bridegroom arrived: Here is a key word which occurs often in several modes: ELTHEN, which means “came” or “arrived.” It is the same word which appears in Daniel 7:22 (LXX), “… until the Ancient of Days came.” Check the word groups in English came, arrive, coming. These are essentially synonyms for PAROUSIA. See notes on PAROUSIA in this commentary. For details on the Presence or Parousia of Christ see additional notes under these words or Matthew 24:3 (Matthew 24:3) in Nazarene Commentary©.

[14] Master, Master: An address some what limited to reactions at the Judgment. See notes on Matthew 7:21, 22 and Matthew 25:44 (Lamsa). One could make much of every detail of the parable but that may not be the intent. The moral is alert preparedness on the part of expectant disciples of the Nazarene.

[15] I never knew you: The meaning is possible: “I never had any kind of relationship with you.” Or, KNX: I do not recognize you. There will be those “Christians” who had the “name” but actually were not a true Friend of the Nazarene. Compare Revelation 3:1 (Luke 13:27).

““And to the angel of the congregation in Sardis write: This is a message from the One having the 7 pneumas of The God and the 7 stars. I am aware of your works–that you have the name you are alive, but you are dead.” (Re 3:1 mhm)

“And he will tell you: ‘I have no idea who you are or from where you came! Get away from me, all you workers of unrighteousness!’” (Lu 13:27 mhm)

+

Preceding

Matthew 25 Jesus ministry drawing to its dramatic conclusion and warning to be ready

Matthew 24:15-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer: Sign 1: Encamped Armies. The Sign Great Oppression Is Near

Matthew 24:29-35 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Answer Part Two – Sign 2: The Parousia. A Sign after the Great Oppression

Matthew 24:36-41 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: About That Day and Hour

Matthew 24:42-51 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Stay Awake!

Left in the dark or being in the dark seeing light

Separation of local judgment regarding 70 CE from the global ultimate-coming prophecies of the Second Coming and Final Judgment

++

Additional reading

1. To be prepared and very well oiled
2. Only once and with consequences

Beware that you do not fall or be carried away by false teachings

Having looked at what false teachers may do, we must be very conscious about what for teachings we want to follow.

Let the one who thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.—1 Cor. 10:12.

Jehovah gives us His powerful holy Spirit, which can strengthen us and help us to resist temptation. God also forewarns us through his Word and the congregation about situations that we must avoid, such as spending excessive time, money, and energy on non-essential material things.

When looking at this world we may see that lots of people are carried away by the false stories of this world. Lots of people also present themselves differently than they are, on Facebook or other social media and let themselves being carried away by those social media. Lots of people spend a lot of time at such media and reduce their time reading the Bible.

Lots of people are afraid when they would join a small church or a small community of believers they would loose possibilities. Lots of people do think they do need theologians or those main churches, instead of trusting in God Himself.

The apostle Paul acknowledged that he had not been entirely without help. He trusted that Jehovah would fortify him to endure his present trials and any future difficulties that might arise. In fact, he immediately went on to say:

“The Lord will rescue me from every wicked work.” (2 Tim. 4:18)

The Apostle Paul (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yes, Paul had learned that even when human assistance is limited, the help that Jehovah and his Son provide is real!

Today there are a lot of false teachers who try to get real followers of Christ on their track, for worshipping a three-headed god. Those who do not worship their god Jesus they make afraid with stories of eternal torture by hellfire.

We must be aware that the adversary of God loves to use traps. They are: (1) uncontrolled speech, (2) giving in to fear and pressure, and (3) feeling too much guilt. But there are also two other traps they bring to the general public. They are materialism and the temptation to commit adultery.

In one of his illustrations, Jesus spoke about seed sown in between thorny plants. He explained that someone may hear the Kingdom message,

“but the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)

Materialism is a trap that our enemy ‘Satan’ uses. The audiovisual media tries to bring a picture of a better world which supposedly we would not be able to have without all those material gadgets. But it can well be that people are also made too afraid about the possibilities to live. The worries about making a living can make us not spending enough time reading the Word of God. Lots of people got blinded by people who promise richness. The Bible says that “money is for a protection.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12) This means that money can help us to have the things we need. But it is not wise to try to become rich. Many people have learned that the harder they work to become rich, the more they get caught in the trap of materialism. Some even become slaves of their possessions.—Matthew 6:24.

Problem with man is that he seems never satisfied. We are always looking for the next-best thing. False teachers tell the world we need to progress and have the newest modern things to make our life easy. By the advertisements in the magazines and on television our eyes are taken away from the biblical hope of that precious world of God.  Instead of concentrating on that what is needed for the day we often are seeking more, but not in the good sense.  We should be seeking to be satisfied by what Jehovah God offers us.  We’ve all read that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God (Mark 10:25), and verse 9 of Proverbs 30 reinforces that someone who is “full” is quick to deny the Most High God.

Proverbs 30: 8-9:  8 Remove untruth and lies far from me.+ Give me neither poverty nor riches. Just let me consume my portion of food,+ 9 So that I do not become satisfied and deny you and say, “Who is Jehovah?”+ Nor let me become poor and steal and dishonor* the name of my God.

All the false teachings we should put away. We should concentrate on what the Bible has to tell us. Also we should try to become happy with what we receive, or what is allowed by God that we have.

And that brings us to an other aspect of happiness. Namely our sex life or our relationship with others. False teachers want  us to believe we should just enjoy life and feel free, because Jesus brought  salvation to us and we do not have to worry any-more what we do because we do not need any works any more to bring us into heavenly places. some people may tell you that it does not harm to have a romantic relationship with someone to whom you are not married.

An improper romantic relationship could start with someone at your workplace or even with with someone in the congregation. There are many ways Christians could be in danger of committing adultery, by seeing how loose others goon with their relationships and with ‘enjoying life’ having sex with more than one person. In the media many series and new coverage wants to give the impression nothing is wrong with having sex with the same gender or with having sex just for fun with as many people as you like.

To avoid adultery, you need to think deeply about what it means to be loyal to your marriage mate. Jesus said:

“What God has yoked together let no man put apart.” (Matthew 19:6)

You should never think that your work in the congregation is more important than your marriage mate. If you are away from your mate for unnecessary reasons, your marriage may become weak. You or your mate could be tempted to commit adultery. for those working in the congregation they always should remember that you cannot be a good husband when work and earning money gets priority. Also does it not make sense to help the brothers and sisters in the congregation as elder and to neglect your wife at home. That would put your marriage in danger. Daniel says,

‘You should never be so busy caring for responsibilities that you neglect your own family.’

At work and in the group of friends there may be people who say just a flirt does not harm. If you are tempted to start an improper romantic relationship, think about the damage caused by fornication and adultery. (Proverbs 7:22, 23; Galatians 6:7) People who commit immorality do not please Jehovah. They hurt their marriage mate and themselves. (Read Malachi 2:13, 14.) Instead, think about the benefits you will get if you keep your conduct chaste, or clean. You have the hope of living forever, and you also enjoy the best life now, including a clean conscience. — Read Proverbs 3:1, 2.

The many people who try to get you looking at God His Will as something which we should not bother too much, you should avoid.

The apostle Paul warned of a falling away from genuine Christianity. He said that after his death, “oppressive wolves” from among professed Christians would

“speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:29, 30)

They would “publicly declare they know God,” but in reality they would “disown him by their works.” (Titus 1:16)

The apostle Peter likewise warned that false teachers would

“quietly bring in destructive sects and [would] disown even the owner that bought them.”

Their bad conduct, he said, would cause people to speak “abusively” about “the way of the truth.” (2 Peter 2:1, 2) To disown Christ in this way, says Greek scholar W. E. Vine, means to

“deny the Father and the Son, by apostatizing and by disseminating pernicious teachings.”

How would Jesus react if professed disciples deliberately failed to “remain in [his] word” and to meet other requirements that he set out? He warned:

“Whoever disowns me before men, I will also disown him before my Father who is in the heavens.” (Matthew 10:33)

Of course, Jesus does not disown someone who makes a mistake despite his earnest desire to be faithful. For example, although the apostle Peter denied Jesus three times, Peter repented and was forgiven. (Matthew 26:69-75) However, Jesus disowns individuals or institutions that turn out to be wolves in sheep’s clothing — pretending to follow Christ but willfully and persistently rejecting his teachings. Of such false teachers, Jesus said:

“By their fruits you will recognize those men.” — Matthew 7:15-20.

Please therefore be always on the lookout. See what teachers do and compare it with what they say. Compare always the sayings of those teachers or preachers with what is really written in the Bible. do not allow differences like “son of God” and “god the son” to be equal. They are totally different. Also is it very different to have “the sent one from God” and “God having come to earth”. That are both totally different things. so pleas come to see what is really written in the Bible and compare that with what a preacher tells you.

+

Preceding articles

Man enticed to long for more

A look at materialism

The Nazarene master teacher learning people how they should behave

Matthew 5:38-42 – 5. The Nazarene’s Commentary on Exodus 21:24

Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 5 Matthew 6: 24-34: e) Anxiety and neighbor love

Matthew 7:13-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #1 The Narrow Gate and the way to destruction

Matthew 7:15-20 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #2 False prophets and fruitage

Matthew 7:13-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #3 Matthew 7:21-23 The ones Jesus never knew

Paul’s warning about false stories and his call to quit touching the unclean thing

False teachers and false prophets still around

Good or bad preacher

Teachings, prophets, wolves in sheep’s covering and a narrow gate

++

Additional reading

1. Just be yourself…
2. The Cares of Life
3. Less for more
4. Material wealth, Submission and Heaven on earth
5. Materialism, would be life, and aspirations
6. Looking at a conservative review of Shop Class As Soul Craft
7. Message of Pope Francis I for the 48th World Communications Day
8. The Proper Place of Excess
9. Heaven and hell still high on the believers list showing a religion gender gap
10. Engagement in an actual two-way conversation with your deities
11. How to Find the Meaning of Life and Reach a State of Peace
12. The World framed by the Word of God
13. With the gift of Jesus comes an awesome responsibility
14. Reflect on how much idolizing happens
15. Looking to the East and the West for Truth
16. Four Pressing Needs in Rural Communities, and How the Church Should Respond
17. Preparing for the Kingdom
18. A way to prepare for the Kingdom

+++

Further related reading

1. The Internet Is Having a Hilarious Time With These iPhone 8 vs. iPhone X Memes
2. Eta : Keeps You Connected to Those Who Matter The Most
3. It’s not the “gold” that makes a gold digger. It’s the “digging”
4. The beat vs. the meaning…
5. Money Matters
6. Serious Money
7. The Big List of Existing Things
8. Don’t worry
9. Telling the Truth
10. Your Wants Are Out of Control
11. Still Seeking the Next Big Thing?

+++

Related articles

• Ask the Lord to remember you
• TODD STARNES: Teacher: Dear parents, tell your kids to stop talking about God
• Jesus battles the Buddha in fighting game hellbent on offending
• Daily Mass: Compassion, Mercy and Forgiveness. Catholic Inspiration
• His revelation now comes through a person’s life
• Congregations team up to offer sanctuary to undocumented immigrants
• Occult Paris Revealed – Artists, Mystics & the Revival of the Arcane Tradition: An Interview with Tobias Churton