The Parable of the Growing Seed - Mark 4:26-29
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Reflection:
This is the second parable Jesus has given where he likens the kingdom of God with growing seed. The first one had to do with the different conditions of the soil and what thwarted the seed from growing, as opposed to the seed that multiplied 30, 60 and 90 times. Because this was a farming society, Jesus knew people would be able to understand this analogy if they were open to it. If Jesus were teaching today he might use a parable relating to technology in our informational age.
But the bottom line is the nature of the kingdom of God as Jesus describes it. Notice the only thing the man has to do is scatter the seed. The rest of the process happens without him aware and almost unbeknownst to him. Then the only other job he has is to harvest the grain with the sickle. So often I think we think that we are the ones who create and produce growth in the kingdom. But yet this parable reminds us though we are called to be faithful in preaching and teaching the Word of God, it is God who makes it grow! Martin Luther said in explanation to the Lord's Prayer and what it means, "God's kingdom will surely come but the only question is does it come through me?"
I don't know about you but I have found that being part of the kingdom is one of the most satisfying things on this earth. While I don't produce it, I am privileged to be a part of it through a local church. Where is God calling you to scatter the seed? It might be as simple as sharing a Word from the Daily Bread or a bible verse to someone who needs to see how the kingdom can work in them as the seed is planted and bears fruit. And remember the harvest is one that will last for eternity. When we are in line with what God is doing in the kingdom, we are making a difference that is lasting and eternal. That's pretty cool!!
26 He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Reflection:
This is the second parable Jesus has given where he likens the kingdom of God with growing seed. The first one had to do with the different conditions of the soil and what thwarted the seed from growing, as opposed to the seed that multiplied 30, 60 and 90 times. Because this was a farming society, Jesus knew people would be able to understand this analogy if they were open to it. If Jesus were teaching today he might use a parable relating to technology in our informational age.
But the bottom line is the nature of the kingdom of God as Jesus describes it. Notice the only thing the man has to do is scatter the seed. The rest of the process happens without him aware and almost unbeknownst to him. Then the only other job he has is to harvest the grain with the sickle. So often I think we think that we are the ones who create and produce growth in the kingdom. But yet this parable reminds us though we are called to be faithful in preaching and teaching the Word of God, it is God who makes it grow! Martin Luther said in explanation to the Lord's Prayer and what it means, "God's kingdom will surely come but the only question is does it come through me?"
I don't know about you but I have found that being part of the kingdom is one of the most satisfying things on this earth. While I don't produce it, I am privileged to be a part of it through a local church. Where is God calling you to scatter the seed? It might be as simple as sharing a Word from the Daily Bread or a bible verse to someone who needs to see how the kingdom can work in them as the seed is planted and bears fruit. And remember the harvest is one that will last for eternity. When we are in line with what God is doing in the kingdom, we are making a difference that is lasting and eternal. That's pretty cool!!
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