Mark 4 Commentary

“The Parable of the Sower” Jesus shares a parable about a sower who spreads seeds on four kinds of ground. While the first three fail to yield a harvest, the fourth, being good soil, produces an abundant crop.

The disciples ask Jesus to explain the meaning of the Parable of the Sower. Instead of providing an immediate explanation, Jesus first addresses why some people can understand the parables while others cannot.

Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower to His disciples. The first soil represents a hardened heart, completely resistant and unable to receive God’s word. The second soil reflects a fearful heart that initially receives the word with joy but quickly falls away when trials arise. The third soil depicts a heart more devoted to the temporary riches of this world than the eternal treasures of God’s kingdom, producing no fruit. In contrast, the fourth soil is distinct in its quality—it symbolizes a heart that trusts, reveres, and loves God, bearing abundant fruit and yielding exponentially according to its faithfulness.

The Parable of the Lamp Jesus uses the imagery of a lamp to illustrate that truth is meant to be revealed, not hidden. Just as a lamp is placed on a stand to give light, God's revelation is intended to be understood and shared. Jesus warns that the measure one uses—whether in receiving or applying His teaching—will determine what we receive in return, emphasizing personal responsibility in spiritual growth. Those who embrace His truth will be given even more, while those who neglect it will lose even what they have.

The Parable of the Seed Jesus describes the kingdom of God to a man who sows seed upon the soil, and though he does not understand how it happens, the seed sprouts and grows by itself. When the crop is fully ripe, the man immediately harvests it and partakes of its blessings.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, which starts as a tiny seed and grows into a large, life-giving tree.

Mark explains that Jesus spoke to the crowds only through parables, while explaining everything privately to His own disciples.

Jesus crosses to the other side of the sea in a boat, and His disciples go with Him. As they sail, a great storm arises, threatening to sink the boat and drown them all. Meanwhile, Jesus is fast asleep. The disciples wake Him and plead for Him to save them. Jesus rebukes the wind and the waves and immediately everything clams down. Jesus then asks the disciples about their lack of faith.