This chapter mentions some of the things that the Lord said in parables. A parable is a story that teaches us a lesson. Often, if the parable is too hard, we need someone to explain it to us. Did you guess that the seed the sower planted was the Word of God? The disciples did not know until the Lord explained the parable to them. Only the seed that fell on good ground produced fruit for the sower. We can only have fruitful lives if we follow the Word of God.
Have you ever sung the song, “Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m going to let it shine”? It was taken from verse 21 of our chapter. The Lord wants Christians to shine as a candle in a dark place, giving light to those who are in sin’s darkness.
Can you imagine an herb growing to the size of a tree? In a garden of herbs, the mustard seed is the least of all. After growing and serving its purpose, if left uncared for, it will grow so big that it overshadows the other herbs. The purpose of the gospel is to save precious souls, not to make the world a better place in which to live.
When Jesus said to His disciples, “Let us pass over unto the other side,” do you think He was going to let them perish in the middle of the lake? No, He was going to test their little faith and then show them that everything was under His control. As a man He would sleep, but as the Lord, the Savior and the friend, He awoke and said, “Peace, be still,” and there was a great calm.
1. The seed that fell on stony ground sprang up quickly. Why did it wither away so quickly? __________ Mark 4:___
2. The Lord Jesus spoke in __________ to those that were without, because they were without faith. Mark 4:___
3. Name the two places where you do not want to put a candle. __________ Mark 4:___
4. What type of seed is very small, yet it can grow so big that the birds of the air lodge under its shadow? __________ Mark 4:___
5. When the Lord arose from sleep, what did He say to make the wind stop and to bring such a great calm? __________ Mark 4:___