1 - 20 The Parable of the Sower - Seeds that fall on the path are prey to birds, seeds on rocky ground will be scorched by the sun, and seeds among the thorns will be choked. Seeds on good soil will multiply. We should seek a good foundation to our faith for ourselves and our families.21 - 25 Parables of the Lamp and the Measure - Don't put a lump under a bushel. Also the measure you give will be the measure you get.
26 - 34 Parables of the Seed and of the Mustard Seed - "The Kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how."
35 - 41 The Calming of the Storm - Jesus and the disciples begin to cross the sea, and a storm came. Jesus was asleep and the disciples awakened him in their panic. "Peace! Be still!" says Jesus, and he turns to the disciples, saying, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?"
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10 Jesus tells the disciples that "the secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you". This refers to himself. Some believe him through the Holy Spirit, others don't.
12 Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 who predicted that some would see (Jesus and his works) but not preceive, hear (Jesus and his words) but not understand.
Jesus explains the parable which he didn't always do. He expected the disciples to understand his stories more easily as they grew in their faith; the same with us.
The Lamp
Jesus speaks of using knowledge. He's specifically speaking of spiritual knowledge but it applies to all knowledge. Knowledge is meant to be used. It is worthless if we keep it to ourselves. If we use it, we'll get more; if we don't use it, we'll forget it.
Growing Seed
Notes indicate that Mark is the only record of this parable. Jesus has scattered seed (message of truth). It continues to grow even now. One day, when we're "ripe" he'll come to "harvest" us.
The Mustard Seed
Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed, the smallest seed which produces a very large plant (tree size) where "the birds can perch on it's branches in its shade". I personally see that the goal is the comfort and security which the plant offers the birds. We are the birds. Our faith and all aspects of it are for our benefit.
The Storm
Jesus and the disciples were crossing the lake on a boat when a bad storm started. They almost sank. Jesus slept through it until the disciples woke him up. He told the weather to "Be quiet! Be still!" and, of course, it did. They had never seen him command weather before which was a little more supernatural. They were terrified of his power but his deity is proven more strongly.
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