Mark 3 - 4

Miracles And Teachings

The religious leaders (in 3:2, the Bible calls them "Jesus' enemies") continued to watch His every move, hoping to find some cause to criticize or find fault.  Frustrated that He knows their intentions without them speaking it, they develop, in their heart, the desire to see Jesus dead.  This causes His enemies to take action (v. 6).  This is just like evil spirits today. They wait for a Christian to do something wrong or something they think will be perceived as incorrect, and then conspire to kill his influence.

Such was Jesus' power over evil spirits, that huge crowds began to follow Him everywhere He went.  In verse 20, the crowd's needs were so great, "he and his disciples couldn't even find the time to eat." At the same time, the religious leaders are calling Him the "prince of demons" (v. 22). The contrast is overtly apparent: Those with a selfish agenda and a jealous spirit hated Him, those with spiritual and physical needs loved Him.

In chapter 4, the parable of the sower is repeated (see Matthew 13:18-23).  The key to understanding this parable is to note where the seed falls.  This is always true.  It must fall in the correct environment to bring forth an increase.  The parable describes four environments into which the seed falls and in three of them, the seed never matures.  Notice that the sower did not fret over this, he merely sowed the seed. That is our commission, to sow the seed of God's Word.  It is also our responsibility to provide a fruitful environment for the seed of God's Word to fall into, thus this parable provides both lessons.

In 4:34, there is a wonderful passage, "[...]When he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them." This is a powerful revelation all believers must understand!  When we are alone with Him, He explains His Word to us.  This ties in with the parable of the sower and the idea of the correct environment.  If our lives are too hectic, too loud, or too sinful, then His Word cannot take root and produce in us.  Lord, help us to be willing recipients of Your Word.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.