The Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Mark 4:26-34) is fairly short but is packed with content. There are two brief parables by Jesus about the kingdom of God and then a concluding observation by the evangelist on Jesus' use of parables. First, in Mark 4:26-29, we read one of our Lord's several comparisons of the kingdom of God to seeds. Here the emphasis is on the mysterious growth of divine rule. Man may scatter the seed, but God takes care of the growth. Nature and human beings have a part to play, but the overall development is up to God.
Secondly, in Mark 4:30-32, there is the parable of the mustard seed. Like the preceding parable, there is a point about the growth of God's kingdom. More specifically, this comparison stresses the magnitude of growth. God takes the smallest seed and produces a large bush. In other words, God can use small ordinary contributions or efforts in order to bring great growth for His purposes. There is a mystery in the whole process, but it depends on God.
Thirdly, in Mark 4:33-34, Mark comments on the place of parables in Jesus' teaching ministry. For His public ministry to the Palestinian crowds, Jesus uses memorable parables to make general points about the kingdom of God. However, our Lord does not stop with these general points. He is more specific in His teachings to His closest followers. In the words of Mark 4: 34 (ESV), "He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything." Parables are valuable and meaningful general pointers, but they need to be applied, especially to the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ for the kingdom and for human salvation. The key to the meaning of parables and all Scripture is the person of Jesus Christ!
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