-------------------------------
-------------------------------
www.biblegateway.com
Mark 4: 1- 20 (NLT)
Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed
Emphasis v. 1-9
Jesus Tells the Parable of the Four Soils
1 Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. 2 He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
3 "Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. 4 As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn't have deep roots, it died. 7Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" 9 Then he said, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand."
------
As we've discussed before, Jesus taught the people by telling stories called parables, using familiar scenes to explain spiritual truths. This method of teaching compels the listener to think. It conceals the truth from those who are too stubborn or prejudiced to hear what is being taught from the heart of God. Most parables have one main point, so we must be careful not to go beyond what Jesus intended to teach.
We hear with our ears, but there is a deeper kind of listening with the mind and heart that is necessary in order to gain spiritual understanding from Jesus' words. Thankfully, we also have the Holy Spirit to provide the understanding we're seeking. Some people in this crowd were looking for evidence to use against Jesus; others truly wanted to learn and grow. Jesus' words were and are for the honest seeker.
Are you an honest seeker?
TGN is more than the "feel good word" of the day. It is a resource for all who want to live as God has called His children to live; according to His Word.
We've discussed this specific parable before, and I'm sure many of you have heard it from your pastor; so with that understanding- answer the question below for yourself:
TGN IS THE FARMER- WHICH GROUND ARE YOU (1) THE PATH WITH THE BIRDS, (2) ROCKY PLACES, (3) AMONG THRONS, OR (4) GOOD SOIL.
Tomorrow we will get into Jesus' explanation of this parable. And you will be asked this question again. Will your answer change?
*********************************** Prayer: LORD, I ask for clarity and understanding for the honest seeker, specifically when it comes to Your Word. Your Word is always good, always fresh, always right on time, that I pray that Your people do not miss any holy thing. I also lift up those who are not honest seekers of Your Word, yet. I pray that they answer the call on their hearts from You to get serious about getting to know the God they serve and implementing Your awesome ways, grace and glory into every inch of their lives. Praise You, Father God. In Jesus' name. Amen.
***********************************
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105
Resources: biblegateway.com, NIV Women's Devotional Bible- Classic Edition, and Life Application Study Bible.
www.thegoodnews4yourlife.blogspot.com "Providing you with what you already have access to in the most convenient way. So that we all can continue to grow in wisdom & understanding of God." LT
No comments:
Post a Comment