Mark 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 4:26-29 – The Sleeping Farmer

Mark 4:26-29 – The Sleeping Farmer

MK4:26 Then Jesus said: “God’s Realm[1] is as if a person scattered seed on the ground, MK4:27 then goes to sleep at night and rises the next day. The seed sprouts and grows and the person has no idea how.[2] MK4:28 For the ground produces by itself: first the blade, then the stalk, and finally the full head of grain. MK4:29 But, when the crop is ready, at once the sickle is put in, for the harvest has arrived.”

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[1] God’s Realm: Jesus uses the designation to refer to the Church, or the Realm of Profession, the domain or territory over which Christ reigns by God’s power. This parable is unique to Mark and there are several views.

[2] The person has no idea how: The growth of the Church has occurred miraculously as without any outside help, like a seed that grows of itself to produce fruitage. Here the Sower has planted the seed, and then it would seem to the world, showed no interest in how it develops. Like a planted seed, the grow of the Church has amazed historians, and certainly no one could have predicted that within three centuries such a small movement would become the state religion. As a comparative analogy see Paul’s example in 1 Corinthians 13:9-12.

“9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 However, when full maturity arrives, the part will be rendered useless. 11 When I was an infant my speech was infantile. I thought like an infant. I reasoned like an infant. When I will have finally become an adult man, I will have made the infantile things useless. 12 For right now we are looking through an enigmatic mirror, but then face to face. Right now I know in part, but then I shall know completely just as I am also completely known.” (1Co 13:9-12 mhm)

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Preceding

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?

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

Mark 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 4:21-23 – Light Exposes

Mark 4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 4:24, 25 – Hearing and Responsibility

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Related

1. Sow and See
   Seeds Harvest Growth- Worship Resources based on Mark 4.26-34
2. Daily Devotion – Mark 4:26-29
3. 11 Ordinary Time Sunday
4. Playing Your Part
5. Scattering Seeds
6. Scattering, Burying, Dying and Rising
7. A Growing Seed
8. “God Changes Things!”
9. Mustard Seeds

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

CHAPTER FOUR:
PARABLES TO ILLUSTRATE THE KINGDOM

[“Kingdom Mysteries”]
Key word: Kingdom

Mark 4:1-9 – Teaching in Parables

|| Matthew 13:1-9;[1] Luke 8:4-8

MK4:1 Now Jesus began to teach by the seashore and there gathered around him a crowd so large he got into a boat and sat a bit off shore. The whole crowd was on the beach at water’s edge. MK4:2 Then Jesus taught them many things by means of parables, and in his teaching he said to them: MK4:3 “Listen! A sower went out to sow,[2] MK4:4 and it happened as he sowed that some [seed] fell by the side of the road. Now the birds of heaven came and picked them up. MK4:5 Also, some [seed] fell on rocky ground where there was little soil. So, the seed sprouted quickly because it had no depth of soil. MK4:6 But, when the sun rose the sprout was scorched and because it had no root it withered away. MK4:7 Now [other seed] fell among thorns and when the thorns also grew up they choked it producing nothing. MK4:8 Some, though, fell on good soil and it did produce something, sprouting and increasing – some yielding thirty times, some sixty times, and others even one-hundred times!” MK4:9 And Jesus added: “Let the one with ears – hear!”

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[1] Matthew 13:1-9: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Sower went out to sow: The parable illustrates four reactions to the teachings of Jesus – then, and today.

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Preceding

Matthew 13:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable: the Soil and the Seed

Mark 3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Review Questions on Chapter Three

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Additional reading

1. Jesus the Storyteller 2 Interpreting Jesus’ stories
2. Leading people astray!
3. The Parable of the Sower
4. Seeds, weeds and kingdoms
5. Seeds and weeds for being the greatest nation
6. What God should I believe in

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Related articles

1. How Is Your Hearing?
2. Lenten Devotional: March 2
3. Speaking in Parables
4. Parable of the Sower
5. Exploring The Parable of the Sower
6. The Parable of the Sower in Modern Day
7. Aim To Pass The Test
8. Heart-A-Check Meter
9. Which Soil are You?
10. Seeds and Me
11. The Soil – Part 1
12. The Soil – Part 2
13. The Soil – Part 3
14. The Soil – Part 4
15. God’s dirt, word and work [Sermon]
16. Parable of the Torso?
17. The primacy it requires
18. Sculptor and Clay
19. Matthew 13: Jesus, the Greatest Storyteller Speaks in Parables to Bring the Kingdom to Us
20. Don’t give up
21. Kingdom secrets and the unstoppable word in the soil of your soul (Growing deeper with Luke 8:4-15)

Matthew 13:31-32 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Mustard Seed

Matthew 13:31-32 – Parable of the Mustard Seed

|| Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18, 19

MT13:31 Jesus put before them another parable, saying, “The Realm of Heaven may be compared to[1] a grain of mustard[2] which a man took and planted in his field.[3] MT13:32 The mustard grain is smaller than all the seeds[4] but when grown is greater than all vegetation as it becomes a tree.[5] Birds of the sky find lodging in its branches.”

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[1] May be compared to: Something about the Church – the realm of profession (see notes elsewhere) – is like a tiny seed which grows into a great tree where birds roost.

[2] Mustard: The Greek is SINAPEOS. Possibly Brassica nigra with a seed the size of a pinhead growing to as much as five meters. Wild mustard may have been right before them in yellow bloom along the lake. The Jews used the phrase “mustard seed” to refer to the slightest breach of ceremonial law. Compare Matthew 17:20.

[3] Planted in his field: Thus probably Brassica nigra. There is an echo here of the previous parable. May the man and the field be the same? Luke 13:18 has it, “a man took and put in his garden.”

[4] Smaller than all the seeds: ASV: less than all seeds. The Greek is MICROTERON and could infer the “least of all seeds.” There are smaller seeds (orchid) but most feel Jesus is speaking only of the land of Israel. Mark 4:31 reads: “the tiniest of all the seeds that are on the earth (or, in the land).” Also, Jesus has in mind a domestic seed that is planted in a field or garden within the experience of the disciples.

[5] It becomes a tree: What is the meaning of the parable? In what manner is the Church (the realm of profession) like a tiny seed that grows into a great tree? Had Jesus told Pilate that within three centuries Christianity would be the state religion and the Caesar would be a Christian, how would Pilate responded? Approaching the year 2,000 the Christian Church is the largest of the religions on earth with Christian America the most powerful nation on earth. William Barclay writes: “Sometimes his disciples must have despaired. Their little band was so small and the world was s wide. How could they ever win and change it?”

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Preceding

Matthew 9:35-38 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Preaching Tour in a Great Harvest

Matthew 13 – Parables on Kingdom mysteries

Matthew 13:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable: the Soil and the Seed

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

Matthew 13:16-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Happy Eyes and Ears

Matthew 13:18-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Seed and Soil

Matthew 13:24-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Field and the Harvest

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Additional reading

1. Seeds, weeds and kingdoms
2. Being in isolation #6 to Hear Call from God and breaking isolation
3. Seeds from the world creating division and separation from God
4. Seeds and weeds for being the greatest nation
5. The Realm of profession in Christianity
6. Partakers and sons of the Realm
7. To sacrifice our being for Christ

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Related

1. Mustard Field
2. God’s Kingdom: from a seed
3. 11th Sunday O.T. (B) Gospel reflection on the Parable of the Mustard seed
4. 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time: The Hidden Power of the Kingdom of God
5. Don’t Fear the Birds
6. He is that into you
7. Training for the Kingdom – Sermon on Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52
8. Sermon on the Parable of the Mustard Seed
9. Being a Weed in a World Full of Roundup
10. 7th Sunday after Pentecost: 23 July – Matthew 13: 24-43 ~ God will sort it all out
11. Wild Mustard in Season…
12. The World According to Wild Mustard
13. The Secret Life of Wild Mustard

Matthew 13:18-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Seed and Soil

Matthew 13:18-23 – Parable of the Seed and Soil

|| Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15

MT13:18 “So, you [disciples], listen [to the meaning] of the parable[1] of the Sower. MT13:19 Anyone hearing the kingdom message[2] and failing to understand,[3] the Evil One[4] comes and steals[5] those things sown in the heart[6] – this is the seed sown beside the road. MT13:20 Now, the seed sown on the gravel – this is a person who at first hearing accepts [the message] with joy.[7] MT13:21 But, because of having no inner roots nothing lasts,[8] for as soon as oppression or persecution[9] occurs because of the message[10] the person stumbles.[11] MT13:22 Now, the one sown among thorns – this is the person who hears the message[12] but the anxieties of that Period[13] and deceptive riches[14] choke the message[15] and the person is unproductive.[16] MT13:23 However, the seed sown in good soil – this is the person who hears the message and understands and actually is productive:[17] one person a hundred times, another person sixty times, and another thirty times.”

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[1] Listen [to the meaning] of the parable: Or, WEY: I will explain the parable. Evidently only directed to his disciples.

[2] Kingdom message: TCNT: the Message of the Kingdom; KNX: the word by which the kingdom is preached. This is the “word” (LOGOS) about the Realm of Heaven: the opportunity for membership within the realm of profession.

[3] Failing to understand: Or, NJB: without understanding; KIT: not comprehending; NWT: does not get the sense of. It is difficult to accept that the literal words carry the exact meaning. It is possible the Nazarene’s intent is: ‘hearing the message without attempting to understand it.’ Mark 4:15 omits the part about failing to understand. Luke 8:12 merely has “heard.”

[4] Evil One: The Greek is PONEROS. Or, KJV: wicked one.

[5] Steals: The Greek is HARPAZEI which means to “snatch” or “grab.” Or, GDSP: robs him; KJV: catcheth away; ASV: snatcheth away. The word is related to that one in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and the Rapture. Compare also Philippians 2:6.

[6] Things sown in the heart: GDSP: sown in his mind. Something has germinated but likely this person only shows a cursory interest without the inner person being moved to further effort. There is an initial interest but for a variety of self-rationalizations the kingdom theme does not strike a cord in the heart.

[7] At first hearing accepts [the message] with joy: Or, KJV: and anon with joy receiveth it; TCNT: at once accepts it joyfully; MOF: with enthusiasm. There is some follow through by this person who hears and “receives” the kingdom message – but without conviction. Luke 8:12, “they may not believe and be saved.” There may be a degree of interest resulting in joyful gladness. How far this disciple matures is not explained (Luke says there is no belief) but it appears this is a neophyte about to face realities.

[8] Having no inner roots nothing lasts: Literally, this may read: “but he has no root in himself but is transitory.” (UBSInt) Or, KJV: hath not root in himself; GDSP: takes no real root; NEB: strikes no root. Whatever initial joy the person had in the kingdom message no serious effort was forthcoming to cause the “word” to take hold. Some take up Christian discipleship but within a short time run out of enthusiasm. “Nothing lasts” may also be rendered: KJV: dureth for a while; TCNT: stands for only a short time; RIEU: he cannot hold out long. Mark 4:15 has it, “they continue for a time.” And, Luke 8:12, “they believe for a season.” The Christian walk is not a sprint but a marathon. It has been observed that many Christians “last” only three years before slowing down with some grinding to a halt. Consider word studies on endurance.

[9] Oppression or persecution: The Greek for “oppression” is THLIPSEOS (Matthew 24:20, 21) and here related to “persecution.” Or, WEY: when suffering comes. Luke 8:13 has this, “a season of testing.” From the very beginning Christianity knew only persecution and oppression. Despite the joy of accepting the kingdom message the high cost of discipleship takes its toll.

[10] Because of the message: The reason for the oppression or tribulation is not that caused by Life itself. The difficulties are related to the kingdom message.

[11] The person stumbles: Or, KJV: is offended; WEY: turns against it; MOF: at once repelled; RIEU: promptly recants; NOR: at once gives it up. The Greek is SCANDALIZETAI. Luke 8:13 has it, “they fall away (or, stand off).” A word study, stumble or stumblingblock.

[12] Hears the message: This disciple listens but will come against other problems.

[13] The anxieties of that Period: The Greek may also mean “overly concerned.” The word “period” is rendered from the Greek AIONOS which is also rendered: KJV: world; RHM: age; TCNT: life. Each age or period of human history and existence has its own particularly anxieties or concerns. Those of Jesus’ period may not be the same as in the modern period. On the matter of anxiety or being overly concerned see notes on Matthew 6:20-33. GDSP: the worries of the time. Luke 8:14 has it, “by being carried away by anxieties.”

[14] Deceptive riches: Or, KJV: the deceitfulness of riches; TCNT: the glamour of wealth; LAM: the deception caused by riches; MOF: the delight of being rich; RIEU: the lure of riches. The word “rich” describes that person with a surplus and the leisure time that goes with it. Jesus uses the words often and it is worthy of a word study on rich, riches, or, money. The word “rich” is also an interesting one to explore in an unabridged dictionary. Compare 1Timothy 6:17-19. Luke 8:15 adds, “pleasures of this life.” And, Mark 4:18 includes, “the desires for the rest of the things.” (Compare 1 John 2:15-17)

[15] Choke the message: Or, strangle, smother; BAS: put a stop to.

[16] The person is unproductive: Or, KJV: unfruitful; TCNT: it gives no return. Compare John 15:1-10; 2 Peter 1:5-8. What fruit or produce is Jesus expecting? Surely the main emphasis is on what a person does with the kingdom message regarding others. It would seem likely that it would also involve “fruitage of the spirit” and its manifestations (Galatians 5:22, 23).

[17] Hears the message and understands and actually is productive: There are three parts here: listening to the kingdom message, achieving some understanding or comprehension, and then bearing fruitage or evidence the message has taken root. Or, TCNT: really yields a return; BECK: goes on producing good things. Note, however, that this production or fruitage is not the same for all genuine Friends of the Nazarene (John 15:14). Like the “widow’s mite” it depends on individuality and circumstances, as well as a heart driven by faith. Perhaps one of the most outstanding examples of producing a hundred-fold is the apostle Paul (Romans 1:13). Paul defines Christian fruitage: Sharing (Romans 15:27, 28; Philippians 1:22); holiness (Romans 6:21); goodness, righteousness, truth (Ephesians 5:9); good work ad knowledge (Colossians 1:10); praise and charity (Hebrews 13:15).

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Preceding

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

Matthew 13 – Parables on Kingdom mysteries

Matthew 13:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable: the Soil and the Seed

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

Matthew 13:16-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Happy Eyes and Ears

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Related

1. Spiritual Plague-the blindness of mechanical religion
2. Are You Too Busy?
3. Using “Theocratic Language” with Jehovah’s Witnesses

A look at materialism

In our Belgian ecclesiae this fortnight we take a look at that what keeps so many busy these times. After the financial crisis it may look as if many people are not any-more so interested to get capital gain, but be not fooled, they still aim to enrich themselves, but much more with material things they can hold onto or dispose when not any more of use or not any more in fashion.

Lots of people are interested to get the most recent new gadgets. That this pursuit of pleasure can crowd out godly devotion we clearly can see in the many church denominations which all lost church members. Most people are not any more interested in God and His commands.

A typical narrow street in the Christian quarter in Tyre (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We live in a world where many have fallen victim to greed and selfishness. Because of the prevailing commercial climate, much emphasis is placed on wealth. Hence, a Christian does well to examine himself to be sure that he is not falling into the same trap that ensnared the commercial city of Tyre. Does he spend so much of his time and energy in material pursuits that he is, in fact, a slave of riches? (Matthew 6:24) Is he envious of some who may have more or better possessions than he has? (Galatians 5:26) If he happens to be wealthy, does he proudly feel that he deserves more attention or privileges than others do? (Compare James 2:1-9.) If he is not rich, is he “determined to be rich,” whatever the cost? (1 Timothy 6:9) Is he so occupied with business matters that he leaves only a very small corner in his life for serving God? (2 Timothy 2:4) Does he become so consumed with the pursuit of wealth that he ignores Christian principles in his business practices?—1 Timothy 6:10.

Could it be that we need to make immediate adjustments in this regard? Granted, some benefits are derived from bodily training and recreation. Yet, such rewards are small compared with everlasting life. (1 John 2:25)
Today, many are “lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power,” and we need to turn away from such individuals. (2 Timothy 3:4, 5)

3 But know this, that in the last days+ critical times hard to deal with will be here. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, 3 having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, 4 betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, 5 having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power;+ and from these turn away. 6 From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, 7 always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth. (2 Timothy 3:1-4, 5-7)

Those who place emphasis on godly devotion are

“safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, in order that they may get a firm hold on the real life.”—1 Timothy 6:19.

On From Guestwriters there are several articles placed which show how Materialism is a snare to many.

We may deceive even ourselves, “thinking that godly devotion is a means of [material] gain.” Thus, we could be emboldened to take improper advantage of the trust shown by fellow believers. (1 Timothy 6:5) We might even wrongly conclude that it is all right to press a prosperous Christian for a loan that we are unlikely to be able to repay. (Psalm 37:21) But it is godly devotion, not the acquisition of material things, that “holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) Since ‘we brought nothing into the world and cannot carry anything out,’ let us more intently pursue “godly devotion along with self-sufficiency” and allow ourselves to be ‘content with sustenance and covering.’—1 Timothy 6:6-11.

A lifetime of hard work in the pursuit of a secular career or material prosperity will not necessarily mean that one will “see good” if it is done to the exclusion of spiritual things. If we, in our prosperity, neglect religious instruction and authority it well can be we will miss the boat. Only seeing those things others have and wanting to have them oneself, might pull us in a black hole. The envy man has, brings him into the darkness of the world and blinds him to see the real true light.

Jesus described the consequences of misdirected effort in his illustration of the sower. Regarding the seed “sown among the thorns,” Jesus explained that “this is the one hearing the word, but the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22) Paul also warned of the same trap and added that those who pursue a materialistic course “fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin.” What is the antidote for such a spiritually ruinous way of life?

5 constant disputes about minor matters by men who are corrupted in mind+ and deprived of the truth, thinking that godly devotion is a means of gain.+ 6 To be sure, there is great gain in godly devotion+ along with contentment.* 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out.+ 8 So, having food* and clothing,* we will be content with these things.+

9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare+ and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin.+ 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.+

11 However, you, O man of God, flee from these things. But pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, and mildness.+ 12 Fight the fine fight of the faith; get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called and you offered the fine public declaration in front of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:5-6-11-12)

17 Instruct* those who are rich in the present system of things* not to be arrogant,* and to place their hope, not on uncertain riches,+ but on God, who richly provides us with all the things we enjoy.+ 18 Tell them to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be generous,* ready to share,+ 19 safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future,+ so that they may get a firm hold on the real life.+ (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

Remains of ancient columns at Al Mina excavation site – supposed palaestra (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Please do find to read:

1. Luxury
2. Summermonths and consumerism
3. The business of this life
4. Increasing wealth gap of immense proportions in the Capitalist World
5. London an exaggerated microcosm of the UK at large
6. Welfare state and Poverty in Flanders #6 Transport factor of immobilising financial growth
7. Democratic downfall
8. The Existence of Evil
9. Catholicism, Anabaptism and Crisis of Christianity
10. Being ‘broke’ a state of mind
11. Less for more
12. Less… is still enough
13. Gender connections
14. Looking at a conservative review of Shop Class As Soul Craft
15. Looking on what is going on and not being of it
16. Misleading world, stress, technique, superficiality, past, future and positivism
17. Your position about materialistic desires having conquered the world
18. Learning that stuff is just stuff
19. Material wealth, Submission and Heaven on earth
20. In a world which knows no peace sharing blessed hope
21. How to Find the Meaning of Life and Reach a State of Peace
22. Why “Selfishness” Doesn’t Properly Mean Being Shortsighted and Harmful to Others
23. Hoarding Relationships and Things
24. Forward ever backwards never!
25. 30 things to start doing for yourself – #6 is vital.
26. Watch out
27. Stop and Think
28. If we, in our prosperity, neglect religious instruction and authority
29. Fragments from the Book of Job #5: chapters 32-37
30. Fragments from the Book of Job #6: chapters 38-42
31. A bird’s eye and reflecting from within
32. We all have to have dreams
33. Material gain to honour God
34. Sow and harvests in the garden of your heart
35. Missionary action paradigm for all endeavours of the church
36. Bearing fruit
37. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #4 Transitoriness #2 Purity
38. Jehovah steep rock and fortress, source of insight
39. Believing in the send one and understanding that one does not live by bread alone

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• God or Money? You Choose.
• Rich People can Enter the Kingdom of God
• As the rich become super-rich, they pay lower taxes. For real.: “The IRS found that as you go from being merely wealthy (the 1 percent) to super-duper wealthy (the 0.001 percent), your average federal income tax rate actually goes down.”
• Serving One Master
• 1 Timothy 6:1-21 Godliness
• Surprise! Scientists ‘Crack Code’ To Happiness
• Surprise! Scientists ‘Crack Code’ to Happiness
• Titus 1
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• Godly mothers are very precious