Welcome to episode 50 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Mark, covering chapter 4:26-41.  The series is called “Get in, buckle up, and hold on!”  Today, we discuss: 

• The parable of the growing seed (vv. 26-29) 
• The parable of the mustard seed (vv. 30-34) 
• Jesus calms the storm (vv. 35-41) 

Key takeaways: 

• The parables about the seed growing by itself and the mustard seed address expectations about the kingdom of God that were held by Jesus’ contemporaries. 
• The success of the Christian message similarly does not depend upon human effort or understanding—though Christians certainly need to scatter the seed—but upon divine power. It will succeed precisely because God is active. 
• Mark’s persecuted readers could rest in the assurance that whatever trials or suffering they were experiencing, the consummation of the kingdom will bring salvation and vindication for God’s people and judgment against his enemies. 
• The difference between the tiny mustard seed and the huge herb that grows from it is an excellent illustration of the difference between the beginning and end of the manifestation of the kingdom of God. 
• Followers of Jesus need boldness in the face of life’s challenges and trust in God’s ability to bring them through. 

Quotable: 

Without difficulties, trials, stresses, and even failures, we would never grow to be what we should become. Storms are part of the process of spiritual growth.   

Application: 

• It is our responsibility to share the gospel, but it is up to God as to what happens after that. 
• Faith for Mark is more like an adventure whose terms unfold as we pursue it. It cannot be understood from a distance, and we are never in control of what happens. Our part is to listen and act, and then listen and act again and again. 
• We would be spiritual pygmies, insufferably self-centered, proud, and empty people, without adversity. 

Connect with us: 

Web site:  https://springbaptist.org 

Facebook:   

https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) 

https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) 

Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/ 

If you haven’t already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.