Welcome back to We Wonder: Lent. Long ago, Jesus said to his friends, "Come: follow me," and during Lent we are following Jesus all the way through the gospel of Mark. Today we are beginning Mark chapter 4: Jesus tells a story about a very careless farmer.

📖 Read:

Mark 4:1-12 (NIRV)

❔Wonder:

Can I picture myself hearing this story along with the rest of the crowd at the Sea of Galilee? Where am I? Am I sitting on some sand, warm beneath me? Or maybe I am trying to get comfortable on a rocky patch as I strain to hear Jesus? Does the breeze help me hear his voice, as he is speaking from the boat? Can I feel it on my face? Can I see Jesus, the boat softly rocking on the waves?

In Jesus' time, farmers scattered their seeds in their fields by hand. They took handfuls of seed, and sprinkled them in the the soil they had plowed. I wonder why this farmer isn't being careful about where he scatters his seed?

Can I imagine the seeds landing on the smooth path? How could they ever get covered up and grow?

Can I see the seeds that land in the rocky places? How could their roots ever grow deep and strong in such broken and hard soil?

Have I ever seen a plant that is trying to grow up surrounded by thorny bushes or vines? How could it ever get enough sunlight and space to grow?

Now, can I picture a field full of wheat, grown up from tiny seeds but now big enough to feed hundreds of people?

I wonder why Jesus said, "whoever has ears should listen"? I have ears, but do I always really listen with them?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to ask God about right now?

Are there any words, or pictures, or moments from this story that I want to take with me and hold close?

🙏🏾 Pray:

Jesus of Nazareth, son of God: thank you that we have a book filled with your words and deed. Give us the wisdom and understanding that comes from your Holy Spirit, so that we can know you better and follow you all the days of our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

💌 Keep in touch!

You can follow us on Instagram and Twitter @wewonderpod for updates throughout the season, or you can shoot me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for listening, and I'll see you tomorrow!