The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 4
You can listen to Mark 4 with us below. You can also read the passage in the New Living Translation here.
“Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.””
Thank you for joining us in listening to Mark 4! You can also find a written copy of Mark 4 in the NLT here.
Below are some questions that made us think. Feel free to journal your answers to one or all of them!
Discussion Questions
1. Jesus tells a parable (story with a lesson) in this chapter is about a farmer scattering seed on different kinds of soil.
The seed = the Word of God
The soils = different kinds of spiritual conditions a person's heart can be in
The first three kinds of soil Jesus describes are not healthy soils. Because they are not healthy, the seed scattered on them does not successfully bear fruit.
-What might keep God's Word from producing fruit in your life at times?
*A hard heart or being closed off to God
*Difficult circumstances and persecution
*The desire for things of this world and wealth
2. When the seed falls on good soil, fruit is produced. When God's Word is accepted by a person and he accepts Jesus as Lord of his heart, his life will show evidence of God's work. He will share God's Word with others and start to show the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
-What "fruit" has God's Word produced in your life? What "fruit" has God's Word produced in the lives of those you know?
-How does reading the Bible help you bear fruit?
3. Jesus says that no one lights a lamp and then puts in under a basket or bed. In Matthew 5:14-16 He says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
If you have accepted Jesus as Lord, He has made you a child of LIGHT!
-What do you think it would look like to put your "lamp on a stand"?
-What situations make you want to cover up the light of Jesus in your life?
-What parts of your life (actions, attitudes, affections) might "cover up" the light of Jesus?
-How can you show the light of Jesus this week?
4. Jesus led the disciples to take him across the Sea of Galilee. While they were on the lake, a fierce storm started. The boat even began to fill with water...and Jesus was asleep!
The disciples yelled, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?" (verse 38)
-Have you ever been on ship in a really bad storm? What was that like?
-Have you ever been in a really bad situation and wondered by God doesn't seem to be doing anything?
5. Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind. With just a few words he told the waves to be still. The wind and waves obeyed Jesus and became completely calm. He asked, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (verse 40)
-Think about a "storm" you've been through. How was your perspective of God different being in the middle of the storm versus being on the other side of the storm, when everything was calm again?
-Think of a difficult situation you are in right now (if there is one). If you are afraid, why might that be? What is the source of your fear? How do you think Jesus wants to take care of you in the middle of this difficult situation?
-How have hard events or seasons of life influenced your faith?
6. The disciples thought Jesus might not care about them, but that was not true. He loved them so much that He would sacrifice His life (and endure the wrath of God) so they could be freed from sin and live with Him forever...and He has done the same for you!
-What can you do to remind yourself of God's love for you during difficult times?
