How do the parables help us see what the kingdom is all about? Many heard these parables and spaced Jesus to be the opposition leader to the Roman occupation. But Jesus taught about a different kind of rule and dominion. The seeds implanted can have a multiplication effect given the right soil and weather conditions. I look at my teachable attitude and wonder if I’m ready or willing for what He may do in my life. Am I cultivating my awe of His greatness?
“The problem—and this seems to be the main reason Jesus taught in parables—is that Jesus’ vision of how God was sowing his word was, as we would say today, politically incorrect. People were expecting a great moment of renewal. They believed that Israel would be rescued lock, stock and barrel; God’s kingdom would explode onto the world stage in a blaze of glory.” - Excerpt, Mark by N.T. Wright
“The theme of hearing dominates the parables— “Listen!” (Mark 4:3); “When they hear” (Mark 4:15, 16); “These are the ones who hear the word” (Mark 4:18); “They hear the word” (Mark 4:20); “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” (Mark 4:9, 23); “Pay attention to what”
“you hear” (Mark 4:24); “As they were able to hear it” (Mark 4:33).
Jesus’s parables were stories drawn from everyday life experiences with which the crowd would identity. Jesus used these stories to point to some dimension of the kingdom. “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like . . .” (Mark 4:30–31). The familiarity of the stories would make them easy to recall. Tying them to the kingdom would prompt the hearers to reflect on them, seeking their deeper meaning about the kingdom—seeking to hear.” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford
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