Mark 4 begins Act 2 of Jesus’s ministry. After 16 months, people are confused. They had expectations of what the Kingdom of God would be like but Jesus is not conforming to their expectations. To bring clarification, he shared 4 parables. His explanation was about power that brings dead hearts to life.

When Mary heard from the angel about God’s plan, she responded in obedience. This was courageous and humble faith but incomplete without joy. The Spirit worked through Elizabeth to help her understand the blessing! God regularly uses other Christians in our own lives to help us experience the joy God wants for us.