Parables of Jesus Table

4:3 Listen Jesus’ opening phrase here mirrors His closing formula (vv. 9, 23). It also highlights the theme of listening in the interpretation of the parable that follows (vv. 15, 16, 18, 20).

4:5 rocky ground Indicates ground that could appear fertile but actually is a shallow layer of topsoil over rocks.

4:8 a hundred times See note on Matt 13:8.

4:9 Whoever has ears to hear Divides people into those who accept Jesus’ message and those who do not. One of the purposes of Jesus’ parables is to reveal and accentuate this distinction (Mark 4:11–12, 24–25). The emphasis on hearing and obeying Jesus’ words alludes to Isaiah’s depiction of sinful people as blind and deaf (Isa 6:9–10). See note on Mark 4:12.

4:11 has been granted Refers to people who receive Jesus’ message (see note on Mk 4:12).

the secret The Greek term used here, mystērion, in this instance refers primarily to the hidden or unexpected nature of God’s work.

4:12 they may look closely and not perceive One purpose of Jesus’ parables is to reveal the true meaning of God’s kingdom only to those who receive it in faith.

4:14 sows the word Refers to proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God (2:2).

4:15 Satan comes and takes away the word The idea being that the powers of evil, or the temptation for self-reliance (or trust in other powers), keeps these people from faithfully embracing Jesus’ teachings (compare 1:12–13).

4:17 they have no root These people are not sure of the choice they have made.

affliction or persecution These kinds of difficulties are depicted in the book of Acts (e.g., Acts 4; 5:17–42; 21:27–36). In addition, during Jesus’ arrest, Jesus’ disciples experienced persecution (Mark 14:26–50).

immediately they fall away The Greek term used here also occurs when Jesus predicts the disciples’ desertion at Gethsemane (14:27, 29).

4:19 deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things There are examples of this type of response to Jesus in the Gospels (e.g., 10:17–31; Luke 9:57–62).

cares of the world Probably encompasses all objects of concern or attachment that divert a person’s energies away from the coming kingdom to the present social order: family, property, occupation (see Mark 10:28–30).

4:31 the smallest Mustard seeds are around 1/10th of an inch in diameter. See note on Matt 13:31.

4:32 largest Mature mustard plants can grow to 10 feet in height.

4:34 in private he explained Confirms Jesus’ statement in Mark 4:11. But even with Jesus explaining the kingdom of God to His disciples, they sometimes fail to comprehend the full implications of Jesus’ identity (e.g., vv. 40; 8:14–21).

4:35 when it was evening Jews considered day to begin at sundown.

other side Refers to the Decapolis (5:20; 7:31), a federation of cities east of the Sea of Galilee. Although Jewish communities existed in these cities, Mark depicts this region as Gentile (non-Jewish) territory.

4:39 Be quiet! Be silent Jesus’ words mirror His response to the unclean spirit at Capernaum (Mark 1:25). Jesus shows Himself to have power over both spiritual and elemental forces, demonstrating His divinity. See note on Matt 8:26.

4:40 Do you not yet have faith Jesus has made clear that He is God’s chosen agent. He expects the disciples to recognize this and have faith in His ability to act with divine power.

4:41 Who then is this Reflects the reaction of those who witnessed Jesus’ first exorcism (Mark 1:27).

the wind and the sea obey him Jesus’ command of the raging sea demonstrates His unique authority and power. In the ot, God alone is able to control the sea (e.g., Exod 15; Isa 51:9–11).