This week we focus on 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13 and Mark 4:26-34. Themes emerge regarding kingship and kingdoms. David is the surprising choice in 1 Samuel as the youngest and one chosen by the God who “looks on the heart”.

The parables in Mark are about the Kingdom or Reign of God, bringing to the fore the inevitability of the Kingdom, its growth that doesn’t rely on humans, and its inclusive nature.  Political resonances challenge the dominance of empire and proclaim a radically different kind of kin(g)ship.

References: AJ Levine’s Short Stories by Jesus and Raimundo Barreto’s article on reading Mark with Latin American eyes.