Welcome to episode 48 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 4:1-25.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• The parable of the soils – Information on the parable (vv. 1-9) 
• Isaiah and the parable (vv. 10-12) 
• Interpretation of the parable (vv. 13-20) 
• Lamp on a stand (vv. 21-25) 

Key takeaways: 

• Mark presents Jesus’ teaching in parables, which illustrates the various responses of rejection and reception to the gospel proclamation. 
• Jesus’ parables confronted his hearers with a challenge to submit themselves to the reign of God. 
• The parable of the soils represents God’s lavish offer of salvation and the mixed reception of that offer. 
• This parable is all about hearing.  Jesus commands the reader to listen to what is being said.  He wants them to pay careful attention to the parable and to respond appropriately. 
• This passage is a turning point in Mark’s gospel. Going forward, people will be divided into two groups – insiders (those who hear and act on what they’ve heard) and outsiders (those who refuse to hear and reject the teachings). 
• For the first time, Jesus explicitly acknowledges that his disciples do not understand what he is telling them. 

Quotable: 

We do not have all our questions answered before Jesus asks us to make a commitment. 

Application: 

• Jesus’ parables constitute spiritual tests that separate those who understand and believe from those who do not. 
• The parables, like the rest of Scripture, call not just for understanding, but for action as well.  Once we know what it means, what do we do with it? 
• We expect to have everything on demand and on our terms.  Faith, however, is not a consumer good. 
•  Those who hear and respond to the message of the kingdom of God will receive even greater revelation, while those who reject what they have heard will be blinded even further. 

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