Take Two: Mark 4, Proverbs 14

Mark 4 is somewhat unique in the gospel because he offers an extended discourse on parables. Not much explanation is given on each one (compared to the other gospels); however, what he does say is instructive for us regarding the Kingdom.

Mark 4:1-9 describes the parable of the sower. It is fairly commonly known to those familiar with the NT (Appearing also in MT 13 and Lk 8). The parable was commonly understood to the hearers and was intentionally vague in meaning. This called the hearer to reflect on the meaning and commit to the message.

In first century Palestine, the practice of planting involved scattering the seed and then plowing it under. (We do it in reverse in our context today). The main emphasis in on the produce of the seed, not on the sowing. The sower is the same with all of the soils. The seed is the same with all of the soils. The condition of the soil/environment as the "receptor" of the sown seed is the main differentiation that corrolates with the produce. As you apply the parable to you individually, you may decide that the best way to experience abundant life is to flee from the enemy (Mark 4:15), To drive deep your roots (Mark 4:17), and to eliminate the weeds (worries of the age) in your life so as not to choke out the produce (Mark 4:19). To do so seems to make the environment right for abundant produce.

It seems though that the primary focus (bearing in mind the context provided by the other parables in the section) is on the reliability of the coming Kingdom. This seems to be less about individual activity as it is an explanation for why some reject the message and how their doing so...does not negate the reality of the coming Kingdom. Notice that the seed sometimes sprouts up without the sowers knowledge (Mark 4:26-29). Notice also that the seed, while small in its inception, becomes a large (proportionately speaking) plant which provides for many (Mark 4:30-32). Notice also that this seems to be the thrust of Jesus explanation on why He teaches in parables (Mark 4:10-12).

Just to clarify a question that may arise on Mark 4:10-12, let me say that the focus is (again) on the fruitfulness of the kingdom...the produce...not on an "attempt" to prevent the produce. Some read v. 11-12 and focus on the mystery...as though keeping the Kingdom mysterious was Jesus' point. Some would even cite this as a proof text claiming that God intentionally wants some to not understand the message. This conclusion is not consistent with the Scripture elsewhere...and Scripture cannot be inconsistent; therefore, our conclusions must be reevaluated so as to develop ones that ARE consistent with Jesus in other places.

V. 12 begins with the Greek word hina, which is often translated correctly as "so that" and indicates purpose. For example...something happens, so that, something else will happen. The word though, in the original language is more functional than that. Much like our English words, it can have other connotations...depending on the context. A better way to translate hina in this verse is to render it "as a result." For example, something happens and as a result, something else occurred. Brooks speaks of this in his commentary:

Some have sought to avoid the conclusion that Jesus used parables to hide the truth by claiming that Mark or someone before him mistranslated Jesus’ Aramaic word “so that” rather than “who.” This is a possible explanation, but a better one focuses on the meaning of the quotation from Isa 6:9–10. God told the prophet to deliver his message even though it would be rejected. The seeing without perceiving, the hearing without understanding, and the failure to turn and be forgiven (Isaiah wrote “be healed”) were the result, not the purpose, of his message. So it was also with the parables of Jesus. Therefore the Greek word hina (translated “so that” in the NIV) at the beginning of v. 12 ought to be translated “as a result.” This is a well-established meaning. Jesus did not speak in parables for the purpose of withholding truth from anyone; but the result of his parables, the rest of his teaching, and even his miracles was that most did not understand and respond positively. He did speak in parables to provoke thought and invite commitment. Therefore parables are more than mere illustrations. They constitute spiritual tests that separate those who understand and believe from those who do not. Still another possibility is to translate hina “that is” (cf. its use in 9:12). This rendering and the translation “as a result” do not differ greatly. (James A. Brooks, vol. 23, Mark, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 83.)

This conclusion is also consistent with the NT elsewhere (1 John 2:2, John 3:16-17, 2 Peter 3:9-10, etc.).

To wrap it up, the Kingdom of God is mysterious. How it becomes and expands, has far more to do with God (and far less to do with us) than we are often comfortable with. God is the "giver" of the Word...and the "power" behind the Word taking root and bearing fruit. That being said, we are given the privilege and responsibility as "sowers" of the Word. We are not necessarily responsible for the fruit...but are responsible for preparing the soil, sowing the seed, pulling the weeds and praising God for the harvest.

Proverbs 14:4 is the takeaway today. I have commented on this verse in the past but it struck me again today. I am so glad to pastor a church with cares less about a "clean manger" than they do having a "full manger." When people who have been estranged from Christ...come to Christ...their lives are often "messy." We should expect nothing less. The messiness should no more be a source of guilt than a newborn should feel guilty for not being able to walk. Certainly we should not resolve to stay "messy," but God is awesome...in that He takes "messy" and fixes it as His Word is heard and understood. May we never come to a place where we are embarrassed by the messiness of the stalls, as long as we are seeing new oxen joining us on the journey.

Grace,