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Mark 
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Day 91

1 Peter 3:15a "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts..."

Day 91 – Mark 4

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…” 1 Peter 3:15a

LACK OF UNDERSTANDING ADDRESSED

Jesus expected His disciples to comprehend the Parable of the Sower. When they seemed to struggle with understanding it, He spoke to them firmly.

“Do you not understand this parable?
How then will you understand all the parables?”
MARK 4:13

1. The interest of the Disciples

This was already commended! There should be a deep interest in the teachings of Jesus.

2. The understanding of the parable

Jesus expected the disciples to understand His teachings. Understanding may be looked at from several angles:-

a) Comprehension of the story line
This is the most basic level. Even the multitude should be able to comprehend at this level.
b) Connecting the parable to life
This is the next level. The disciples may have been able to figure out that the Sower was Jesus and the seed was the Word of God. But they may have had difficulty in applying the details of the parable to life.
c) Challenges to consider
The disciples must ever consider how the truth taught would impact their life. Ultimately, the word of God must find expression in life.

EXPLANATION OF THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

There may have been a word of rebuke, but immediately after Jesus explained the meaning of the Parable of the Sower.

“The sower sows the word”
MARK 4:14

1. The Sower

No fault is attached to the sower. He is not blamed for sowing seed on the wayside, nor on the stony ground, nor on the thorny ground!

2. The Seed

Nor was there fault attributed to the seed. The failure of the ground to yield fruit cannot be attributed to the seed sown.

Jesus saw Himself as the Sower. The Seed He sowed was of course the word of God. He knew the manner in which He sowed and also the quality of the Seed he sowed. No one could attach any blame on either!