Who is Jesus, anyway?
A good man. A crazy person. A prophet. The Son of God.
You’ll often get a strong response if you talk to other people about Jesus. Some will tell you they already know Him; some may say they want nothing to do with what you’re trying to sell. Some might cry when hearing about Him; others may see it as an opportunity to debate. Jesus has been a polarizing figure in history for centuries.
Jesus’ name may change the tone of a conversation, but His actions changed the world.
The Gospel of Mark was most likely dictated to Mark by one of Jesus’ disciples—Peter, specifically. And since Peter was a man of action, his account of Jesus’ life is a fast-paced examination of the things Jesus did. As we look in the opening chapters of that Gospel, we’ll arrive at an incredible conclusion: Jesus changes everything.
Last week, we pondered the question, if our call to follow Jesus is the same call the disciples received then shouldn't our response also be the same? They left everything behind, what have we left behind?
This week, we look at the importance of Jesus' teaching ministry. The people recognized that He taught "as one that had authority" (Mark 1:22). He spoke as if He had a right to speak. What He said was fresh, invigorating, and probed the very depths of one's spirit. Jesus was less interested in rules for rule's sake, arguments and discussions about the finer points of the law, or continuing religious traditions of the past. Rather, He was more concerned about confronting people with the claims of God on their lives and the meaning of His truth for living.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
Think back to a favorite teacher: elementary school, high school, college, or on-the-job training. You probably enjoyed that instructor so much because he or she fell into one or more of these groups: teachers who know their subject inside and out, teachers who love the subject and are passionate about it, and teachers who truly care about their students.
Many of us got into a particular profession because just such a teacher motivated us to pursue that field. And many teachers became teachers themselves because other exemplary teachers inspired them. Learning isn’t always easy, but great teachers help us develop the desire to learn.
Jesus taught with all three of these characteristics. During His earthly ministry, Jesus certainly knew what He was talking about, He taught with passion, and He genuinely loved those He taught. But Jesus’ teaching has another vital element: His teaching is life-changing. In fact, as we’ll see when we continue in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ teaching is eternally life-changing, and it leads us to fruitful living.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Mark 4:1-2a
1 Again he began to teach by the sea, and a very large crowd gathered around him. So he got into a boat on the sea and sat down, while the whole crowd was by the sea on the shore. 2a He taught them many things in parables,
At this point in Jesus’ public ministry, such a large crowd had gathered for His teaching that He had to get on a boat and push off into the lake so they all could see Him and hear Him. Interestingly, we know these people were amazed at Jesus’ teaching because it was unlike anything they’d heard before (see Mark 1:22), but we see no indication they acted on what He said.
The same is often true today—many people in our culture believe Jesus was a great moral teacher, but they miss the transformational truth behind His teachings. We need to understand that Jesus took the time to teach so people would rightly know who He is, who God is, how to live in a right relationship with God and others, and how to experience abundant life.
One key way Jesus taught was through parables, which are short stories designed to teach a meaningful point. The Greek word for “parable” carries the idea of something being laid alongside something else for the purpose of comparison. It’s often hard for a Western audience to understand why Jesus chose to teach important truths in parables rather than just coming out and explaining what He meant, but the people of Jesus’ day were familiar with this method of communication.
The modern, Western mind thinks in terms of lists and logic, but the ancient, Jewish mind thought in images and examples. Parables didn’t bury the truth; rather, the principle in a parable was “hiding in plain sight” in such a way that those who understood what Jesus was saying would understand exactly what He was saying.
What are the benefits and challenges
of using stories to reveal truth?
When we study any of Jesus’ parables, we need to keep four things in mind:
- A parable is a story with a plot.
- A parable refers to a real-life scenario that would have been familiar to Jesus’ audience.
- A parable is for the purpose of instruction, not entertainment.
- A parable teaches one truth. It’s not an allegory with many truths hidden inside of it.
What Jesus wants us to understand is already in front of us. We each have access to the truth about God; the burden is on us to lay hold of that truth and do the hard work of applying it to our lives.
Mark 4:2b-7
2b and in his teaching he said to them: 3 “Listen! Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly, since the soil wasn’t deep. 6 When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn’t produce fruit.
Those who first heard Jesus tell this parable would have understood immediately the four types of soil included in these verses. Growing crops in Palestine wasn’t easy. A farmer would put a sack of seed on his back, reach back into it, and fling the seed far and wide so that it would reach as far as possible on the land.
The condition of the soil meant that not every seed would be productive, so his goal was to broadcast as much seed as possible.
Here are the first three types of soil Jesus described:
- Hard Soil. The first soil represents the hearers of the Word who have hardened hearts. Such people have no desire for God, so His truth is unable to penetrate and take root. They hear the Word and say: “No thanks. It’s not for me.”
- Rocky soil. Some of the soil in Palestine is just a few inches thick. It looks promising on top, but when the plant’s roots meet bedrock, there’s nowhere for them to go. The first hint of foul weather causes them to wither. In the same way, many of those interested in following Jesus offer only a superficial acceptance and belief. They don’t last.
- Thorn-infested soil. Jesus used this soil to describe those who hear His Word, yet allow other things steal their focus: “the worries of this age, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word” (v. 19). People trying to have it both ways will find any potential fruit choked out by their devotion to something other than Christ.
Where do you see each of these soils
represented in our culture?
These three soils can be grouped together as one type of soil: unproductive. It’s clear from Jesus’ teaching that, although everyone has access to God’s truth, not everyone responds to it the same way. Not everyone will trust God, obey His word, and let it take root. Thankfully, there’s one other type of soil.
Why is it important for us to understand that different people will respond to God’s truth in different ways?
Mark 4:8-9
8 Still other seed fell on good ground and it grew up, producing fruit that increased thirty, sixty, and a hundred times.” 9 Then he said, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.”
- Good soil. The remaining soil is different from the others: resilient and receptive to the seed and free of rocks and thorns, it becomes productive. It is, quite simply, “good ground.” True disciples of Jesus hear the Word and receive it, let it spring up in their hearts, and carefully avoid anything that will stifle its growth.
Up to this point, those in the crowd readily would have understood Jesus’ references to the sower, seed, and soils. But now Jesus added something highly unusual: the harvest. Considering the condition of the soil in Palestine and the way they sowed the seed, farmers typically expected a ten-fold return in their crops at best. But Jesus took them far beyond those expectations. When God’s Word takes root in a person’s life, He declared, it produces fruit that increases “thirty, sixty, and a hundred times.”
Interestingly, Mark recorded this parable of the soils before he wrote about Jesus’ other parables and specific teachings. This parable provides a key to Jesus’ other teachings because it addresses our hearts. It’s not enough just to know what Jesus said; what makes a difference is what we do with that truth.
Jesus began this parable in verse 3 with a singular command: “Listen!” He ended the parable with the same instruction: “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.” In Scripture, to hear something means more than just detecting the sounds; it carries the idea of understanding and responding. When the Bible says God hears our prayers, it means He answers. (See 1 John 5:14-15.) In the same way, we’re called to hear what God is commanding us to do—and to respond accordingly.
God can do great things in our lives by making us fruitful and abundant for His kingdom, but those results all depend on what we do with His Word. Knowing what the Bible says is important, but it’s only life-changing when we obey. Let’s hear what Jesus says to us—and let’s obey Him.
What’s our responsibility in the process described throughout this parable?
LIVE IT OUT
How will you obey God’s Word? Consider taking one or more of these steps in the days to come:
- Weed. What in your life is hindering your ability to hear and obey God’s Word? Ask God to help you remove anything keeping you from fully trusting and following Him.
- Water. Make Scripture reading a daily part of your life. Start a journal. Each day, note what God says in His Word and consider what you need to do to obey Him.
- Sow. Create a plan for sharing what God is teaching you through His Word. Use social media to tell others. Meet someone for lunch whom you can encourage to read Scripture and obey God’s teaching.
The idea of teaching others about Jesus may feel intimidating or even out of reach. But if you are willing to hear God’s Word and obey His instruction for your life, He will guide you the rest of the way.
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Teacher's Notes:
Click Here to Watch
“That the powerful play goes on and you can contribute a verse.”
What will your verse be?
Last Week: Jesus Calls - Following Jesus is a life-changing adventure, and you’re invited.
- I asked you to ponder the call to follow Jesus – has it changed everything in your life? It did for the disciples, if it hasn’t for you then why is that?
This Week: Jesus Teaches – Obeying Jesus’ teachings lead to fruitful living.
- This week I want you to consider that if what Jesus teaches can change everything in your life – what should you do with that? Learn from Him, listen to Him, do what He says to do, why – because it works and it will change everything in your life!
JESUS TEACHES
Did you ever have or know a teacher that was life-changing?
Most extraordinary teachers fall into one or more of these groups:
- they know their subject inside and out,
- they love the subject and are passionate about it, and
- they truly care about their students
Jesus certainly knew what He was talking about, He taught with passion, and He genuinely loved those He taught. But Jesus’ teaching had something else: It was life-changing, - His words and ideas really could change the world. His words were the TRUTH!
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
I. All People Have Access to the Truth Mark 4:1-2a
1 Again he began to teach by the sea, and a very large crowd gathered around him. So he got into a boat on the sea and sat down, while the whole crowd was by the sea on the shore. 2a He taught them many things in parables,
Large crowds had gathered to hear Jesus teach, so large that He had to get on a boat and push off into the lake so they all could see Him and hear Him. People were amazed at His teaching because it was unlike anything they had heard before (see Mark 1:22), but there was no indication that they acted on what He said. Now, that’s an important point because the same is true today. Many people believe Jesus was a great teacher, but they miss the transformational truth behind His words and ideas.
Our lesson wants you to understand that Jesus took the time to teach - so people would rightly know who He is, who God is, how to live in a right relationship with God and others, and how to experience abundant life.
One key way Jesus taught was through parables, what is your understanding of a parable?
- Short stories designed to teach a meaningful point. The Greek word for “parable” carries the idea of something being laid alongside something else for the purpose of comparison. It’s often hard for a Western audience to understand why Jesus chose to teach important truths in parables rather than just coming out and explaining what He meant, but the people of Jesus’ day were familiar with this method of communication. The modern, Western mind thinks in terms of lists and logic, but the ancient, Jewish mind thought in images and examples. Parables didn’t bury the truth; rather, the principle in a parable was “hiding in plain sight” in such a way that those who understood what Jesus was saying would understand exactly what He was saying.
When we study any of Jesus’ parables, we need to keep four things in mind:
- A parable is a story with a plot.
- A parable refers to a real-life scenario that would have been familiar to Jesus’ audience.
- A parable is for the purpose of instruction, not entertainment.
- A parable teaches one truth. It’s not an allegory with many truths hidden inside of it.
Here is the point, before we get into the parable: Jesus wants us to understand that the truth is already in front of us and we all have access to it. The question for us is who we are in the crowd – are you here to just hear, or are you here for change?
II. Not All People Obey the Truth Mark 4:2b-7
2b and in his teaching he said to them: 3 “Listen! (Huddle Up) Consider the sower who went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly, since the soil wasn’t deep. 6 When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn’t produce fruit.
Those who first heard Jesus tell this parable would have understood immediately the four types of soil included in these verses. Growing crops in Palestine wasn’t easy. A farmer would put a sack of seed on his back, reach back into it, and fling the seed far and wide so that it would reach as far as possible on the land.
The condition of the soil meant that not every seed would be productive, so his goal was to broadcast as much seed as possible.
Here are the first three types of soil Jesus described:
- Hard Soil. The first soil represents the hearers of the Word who have hardened hearts. Such people have no desire for God, so His truth is unable to penetrate and take root. They hear the Word and say: “No thanks. It’s not for me.”
- Rocky soil. Some of the soil in Palestine is just a few inches thick. It looks promising on top, but when the plant’s roots meet bedrock, there’s nowhere for them to go. The first hint of foul weather causes them to wither. In the same way, many of those interested in following Jesus offer only a superficial acceptance and belief. They don’t last.
- Thorn-infested soil. Jesus used this soil to describe those who hear His Word, yet allow other things steal their focus: “the worries of this age, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word” (v. 19). People trying to have it both ways will find any potential fruit choked out by their devotion to something other than Christ.
Where do you see each of these soils represented in our culture?
These three soils can be grouped together as one type of soil: unproductive. It’s clear from Jesus’ teaching that, although everyone has access to God’s truth, not everyone responds to it the same way. Not everyone will trust God, obey His word, and let it take root. Thankfully, there’s one other type of soil.
Why is it important for us to understand that different people will respond to God’s truth in different ways?
Points: God has broken into this world through Jesus Christ with the good news of His kingdom. Jesus has come to share the good news of the kingdom with all people in all situations. Those who refuse the gospel completely or will not allow it to take root in their lives will not realize the spiritual fruit it is able to produce in their lives.
III. Obeying the Truth Will Produce Fruit Mark 4:8-9
8 Still other seed fell on good ground and it grew up, producing fruit that increased thirty, sixty, and a hundred times.” 9 Then he said, “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.”
4. Good soil. The remaining soil is different from the others: resilient and receptive to the seed and free of rocks and thorns, it becomes productive. It is, quite simply, “good ground.” True disciples of Jesus hear the Word and receive it, let it spring up in their hearts, and carefully avoid anything that will stifle its growth.
Up to this point, those in the crowd readily would have understood Jesus’ references to the sower, seed, and soils. But now Jesus added something highly unusual: the harvest. Considering the condition of the soil in Palestine and the way they sowed the seed, farmers typically expected a ten-fold return in their crops at best. But Jesus took them far beyond those expectations. When God’s Word takes root in a person’s life, He declared, it produces fruit that increases “thirty, sixty, and a hundred times.”
Interestingly, Mark recorded this parable of the soils before he wrote about Jesus’ other parables and specific teachings. This parable provides a key to Jesus’ other teachings because it addresses our hearts. It’s not enough just to know what Jesus said; what makes a difference is what we do with that truth.
Jesus began this parable in verse 3 with a singular command: “Listen!” (Huddle Up) He ended the parable with the same instruction: “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen.” In Scripture, to hear something means more than just detecting the sounds; it carries the idea of understanding and responding. When the Bible says God hears our prayers, it means He answers. (See 1 John 5:14-15.) In the same way, we’re called to hear what God is commanding us to do—and to respond accordingly.
God can do great things in our lives by making us fruitful and abundant for His kingdom, but those results all depend on what we do with His Word. Knowing what the Bible says is important, but it’s only life-changing when we obey. Let’s hear what Jesus says to us—and let’s obey Him.
What’s our responsibility in the process described throughout this parable?
- Our responsibility is to produce great spiritual fruit, by allowing Jesus’ words and ideas to germinate in our lives. The teachings of Jesus are more than a series of good moral instructions, they are powerful truths about the rule of God. The teachings of Jesus that we hear with our ears are to be processed in our minds, applied to our hearts, and practiced in the crucibles of life.
Here is the pondering thought for this week’s lesson: What kind of soil am I in relation to the seeds of truth that have been thrown my way?
Yes, “There is a powerful play that goes on and you can contribute a verse.” What will your verse be?
Obeying Jesus’ teachings leads to fruitful living.
Hope to see you on Sunday!
In His Love,
David & Susan
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