Day Four Mark 4:26-34
26 Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. 28 The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. 29 And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
30 Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? 31 It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, 32 but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
33 Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. 34 In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them. – Mark 4:26-34 (NLT)
Discover
1. What does the seed represent in each of these parables?
2. What does the farmer do and what does he not do in verses 26-29?
3. How does the Kingdom of God grow to eventually benefit others (verses 30-32)?
Respond
As believers, we are like the farmers in God’s Kingdom, scattering seed and doing the work God has called us to do. But only God can make that seed grow. Spiritual growth isn’t usually quick work, just as these parables illustrate. Who are you discipling? Does growth sometimes seem slow to come? Pray that God would give you the patience and perseverance to do the work of the farmer – scattering seed and harvesting. Pray for His work in your heart and the hearts of those you are discipling, no matter how slow-growing it may seem.
For Further Reading: Slow and Steady Growth
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