Mark 4:23 Jesus said this same thing many times. Indeed, it may have been something people would quote him as saying. It can be very good to be quoted, and saying the same thing over and over helps the quote come out right. Bible Reading: Genesis 43:1-45:28 Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:20 “But ye have an…
I have a cold today.
Mark 4:22 We might see this as simply a general statement of fact. But it is far more. It is a promise from God. Jesus was making a statement in regards to secrets of God. All of the mysteries will be revealed one day. But, it is God’s prerogative to conceal things in his time.…
Mark 4:21 We might think that a reminder such as this is unnecessary. However, Jesus understands human nature very well. He is helping us understand that we do have a tendency to set out to do something, and then do quite the opposite in the practice of it. But also, Jesus is speaking of the…
Mark 4:20 The Word of God is not ineffective. If it takes root in a person’s life, there will be fruit. Circumstances and opportunity will determine the volume of fruit, but there will be fruit. Indeed, the illustration from farming is quite appropriate in that one seed might produce so much fruit. Bible Reading: Genesis 33:1-35:29…
Mark 4:19 Often the cares and issues of this life will be a trial to people, and they will turn to the world’s answers. They will begin to think they can find security and happiness in riches and pleasures. And why does this choke the Word? Should not our security and happiness be important? Ah,…
Mark 4:18 It is quite understandable to assume that this group represents those who are genuinely saved, yet have been rendered ineffective. However, one must be careful here. The Scriptures give us great certainty that those who bear much fruit belong to the Lord. It does not do so with the rest, though there is…
Mark 4:17 We use the word ‘endure’ in English translations of this verse. However, do keep in mind that the short endurance of these folks is nothing like the endurance of true saints. The literal sense here is that they stay for a short season, and then are offended. The same offences that caused them…
Mark 4:16 Being in difficult places, these persons immediately recognize the truth of the gospel. But, yet, they easily are drawn from it again for the same reason. Bible Reading: Genesis 25:1-26:35 Scripture Memory: 1 John 2:13 “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you,…
Mark 4:15 We might ask how that the devil is able to take away the seed. Well, in every case but the last it is the devil that prevents the Word from having the proper influence. It is just that, in this case, the enemy is able to do it very quickly and easily. These…