But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold. Mark 4:20
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 4:1-20, moving to vv13-20 which is the text for the third (of three) division per the commentary. Excerpts from the commentary's third division:
- "[Jesus] starts with a mild chiding. His words note the essential and foundational nature of this parable. If they do not understand this one, they will struggle to understand the others."
- "The sower in this story is Jesus, or anyone who shares the gospel, and the seed is the Word of God. The path represents hard-hearted or tough-minded individuals. The Word comes to them, and “immediately,” as soon as they hear it, Satan snatches it away. They are resistant and thus unresponsive. They suffer from what might be called “gospel deafness.” Like skeptics, they dismiss the Word without giving it careful consideration."
- "The next soil is welcoming but not substantive enough to maintain the growth of the seed. The people represented by this soil hear the Word and receive it with joy. They endure for a while and even show signs of maturity, just as the plant sprouts quickly, grows well at first, and looks promising. However, these people are shallow and have no roots. Soon tribulation and persecution—seen in the “sun” of Jesus’ parable—come because of the presence of the Word. When (not if!) oppression comes, these people “immediately” fall away (4:6,17)."
- For the next group, "they eventually get distracted by worry, wealth, and craving for other things. Theirs is a partial commitment, which is, in reality, no commitment at all. This present life is more important to them than the life to come, and stuff is more important than the Savior."
- "The final soil is noticeably different from the first three. It represents those who hear the Word, accept it, and bear fruit. Tribulation and persecution do not deter them. Worries, wealth, personal desires, and sinful cravings do not distract them. Their hearing is active, not passive. They aggressively pursue the Word, allow it to take root, and then rejoice in its abundant growth."
- To emphasize the promise is v20, we are referred to John 15:5 where Jesus shares how we will bear fruit of we abide and remain in Him as He is the True Vine. The stark truth from the commentary is that if we are not producing fruit we are not connected to God's Word.
We should develop a hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) so we can claim the promise that we will be satisfied. Of course at the same time we should time to time, perhaps with the help of a spouse, family, member or brother/sister in Christ, assess whether we are truly bearing fruit. If not, this is a wake up call because we must avoid not being connected to the True Vine - Christ. We don't want to be tossed about during a storm of persecution, hardship, or suffering. We seek a firm foundation - to build our house of faith on the Rock of Christ.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God that provides Your Word and the Holy Spirit to enable us to read the Bible supernaturally - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation, Your Word, nor how You help me understand Your Word. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
