Further Teaching In Parables
FURTHER TEACHING IN PARABLES
MARK 4:21-34
We are to let Christ’s message have its full effect in our lives.
With 4:21 we return to the public teaching of Jesus. A brief series of parabolic sayings is followed by a further two parables and a conclusion to the whole section in which Mark reiterates how Jesus used the parables to speak to the crowds.
In the opening sayings (4:21-25) the second part is easier to understand; it confirms our view of the parable of the sower by urging the people to take heed how they listen to the words of Jesus, for the way in which they listen will determine what they get out of them. Lack of attention will lead to loss, but keen attention will be rewarded by an even fuller measure of understanding.
But what of the preceding verses? Jesus says that lights are not meant to be hidden but to be placed where they will give illumination. If, therefore, a light is hidden, this can only be for a temporary period and in the end it will shine forth. Now in Matthew 5:15; 10:26f., where the same metaphor is used, the point is that the disciples must not conceal the message entrusted to them, for one day it will be openly revealed to the world. Here, however, the point is rather that at present the parables (and the whole mission of Jesus) are not easy to understand, but one day the meaning will be clearly revealed. Jesus worked secretly, as it were, in his earthly ministry, but the meaning of his ministry was to be revealed in due course as God gloriously vindicated him and brought in his kingly rule in power.
This fits in with the two parables that follow. Once man has sown seed, the way in which it grows and inevitably comes to fruition without human intervention is God’s secret. The ministry of Jesus was the time of sowing; that seed would certainly grow and lead to a glorious harvest. Similarly, the parable of the mustard seed contrasts the tiny beginnings of the kingship of God—the preaching of an unknown prophet in a corner of Palestine—with the greatness of the end result; perhaps the birds are meant to symbolize the Gentiles, but they may simply be meant to indicate the great size of the tree. Let not men, therefore, be misled by the smallness and quietness of the beginnings, but let them make sure that they penetrate the mystery of the rule of God and themselves enter in.