Chapter Four: The gospel takes a distinctly agrarian turn in Mark four as Jesus talks about sowers, soils, seeds, and bushel baskets. Most of the people following Jesus were tenant farmers, day laborers, and individuals doing their best to eek out a living for their families. These illustrations would be very familiar to them, even if they feel a little foreign to us.
• Chapter four contains many parables? Why do you believe Jesus used so many of these? We can get a partial answer by examining Mark 10-13. Is this satisfying to you? Why or why not?
• Parables are a little like paintings and poetry. Their beauty and meaning are in the eye of the beholder. People are often looking for rules and regulations for better living. Why do you think Jesus told stories instead?
• Jesus rarely explains his parables. Why do you think he tells the disciples the meaning of the Parable of the Sower? Is this the only meaning it can have, or are there others that speak to you?
• The second verse of the children’s hymn, “This Little Light of Mine” says, “Hide it under a bushel basket, NO! I’m going to let it shine.” What are ways we hide Christ light or our light in the world? What are the implications of covering this light, and what does it say about our faith in Christ?
• The chapter concludes with Jesus stilling a storm. He’s moved from parables to miracles. Which of these accounts speaks more to you? Why?
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