Mark 4:26-29 "Kingdom Growth"
Stunted growth in a person is a tragedy. But stunted growth in the Kingdom is also a tragedy.
Our text shares a parable about Kingdom growth. In it we see the secret of that growth.
This parable only appears in Mark. It is not a counterpart to the “wheat and tares” in Matthew.
Similarities:
- Farmer plants the seed.
- Farmer goes to sleep.
- Harvest comes when seed is ripe.
Differences:
- Emphases placed on the work of the enemy in sowing the tares and the action of the Lord in separating them for reward and judgment. (Mt)
- Emphases placed on the secret growth of the seed because of the life contained therein (MK)
The seed is the word of God.
Four aspects of Kingdom growth:
Deliberate Planting (v. 26)
The seed must first be planted.
This is seed sown on good ground.
If you know and love Jesus, you should desire for others to know and love Him also.
The message never changes.
We must think creatively how to share the Lord.
We must deliberately plant the seed if we would ever see a harvest.
Secret Destiny (vv. 27-28a)
The sower’s job is to cultivate and prepare the land, sow the seed, and then leave it alone.
Because of the life contained in the seed, it does grow.
There is a secret destiny of the seed because of the life contained in it. The word of God has a life of its own.
Progressive Unfolding (v. 28)
People, like corn, pass through stages of preparation.
There is a progressive unfolding of the seed by God’s grace. Salvation is of God. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7.
Proper Harvesting (v. 29)
Only as the seed becomes ripe can it be harvested.
When the time comes, we will find the field ripe.
Fruit is getting ripe every day in God’s field somewhere.
Our place is to be out in the field, ready to harvest.
