We're continuing through the Gospel of Mark and we're picking up in chapter 4. This is probably one of the more familiar parts of this gospel as well as one of the most important and it stands out because this is one of only 2 sections that include lengthy teachings from Jesus. Remember that Mark is all about action; sums things up and give us the bottom line rather than tease out the details. So when he slows down and gives us a lengthy section of teaching-it should get our attention. This is here for a reason. Today we're going to look at The Parable of the Sower. By parable I mean: a way of teaching that uses story telling or word pictures to make a point. In this passage Jesus is using what would have been a very familiar agricultural picture. Let's read it together: Mark 4:1-20