St. Mark - session 2
Level 1
Mark gave us a list of Jesus' disciples by name (3:16). This is a big help, especially if you decide to teach, or even play Bible trivia. One question I was invariably asked was:
How come Jesus talked in parables?
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My guess is that he knew folks liked to hear a good story. They were more likely to remember the story (not just facts and names). Later, then, they recalled the hidden meaning as they repeated the story to others. Story telling is an ancient art in other cultures, having the purpose of passing on truths by word of mouth.
Jesus told a story, recorded in three of the Gospel books, about the "sower of seeds". As the farmer threw out seeds for his future crop, some were eaten by the birds. The seeds never had a chance. Some fell on rocky soil and couldn't take root. Some took root, but were choked out by weeds. Finally, some did take root and flourished. Jesus "threw out" the good news of God's love for all mankind, but He knew that many would not even listen, and even if they did, the worldly distractions would choke it out.
Jesus told a story, recorded in three of the Gospel books, about the "sower of seeds". As the farmer threw out seeds for his future crop, some were eaten by the birds. The seeds never had a chance. Some fell on rocky soil and couldn't take root. Some took root, but were choked out by weeds. Finally, some did take root and flourished. Jesus "threw out" the good news of God's love for all mankind, but He knew that many would not even listen, and even if they did, the worldly distractions would choke it out.
Level 2
Later, you can read this parable in Matthew Ch. 13 and Luke Ch. 8. This is one of the parables that Jesus explained to the masses. The unfathomable Grace of God abounds for all to receive. Yet, for some, this is a stumbling block, especially for those who try to analyze this possibility. A worldly view would over ride the idea of such a gift offered to all kinds and conditions of men (and women) in spite of different nationalities and backgrounds.
Mark quotes Jesus as He tried to reach the hearts of the Pharisees (the leaders and guardians of the Hebrew Religion). Jesus reminded them that their God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had given them two great commandments . . . which had to do with love, not oppression. (Mark 12:29-31) Jesus was able to sum up the Law, given them by Moses, with these two commandments. He quoted from their own Scripture:
Mark quotes Jesus as He tried to reach the hearts of the Pharisees (the leaders and guardians of the Hebrew Religion). Jesus reminded them that their God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had given them two great commandments . . . which had to do with love, not oppression. (Mark 12:29-31) Jesus was able to sum up the Law, given them by Moses, with these two commandments. He quoted from their own Scripture:
Love God with all your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Love your neighbor as yourself. (Leviticus 19:18)
Notice how the Pharisees tried to trick Jesus into defying the Mosaic Law. They were decidedly legalistic about the Law, whereas Jesus embraced the heart of the Law. God's emphasis on "what's in the heart" shines through the New Testament, but also can be found in the Old, as well. Take time to look up in the Old Testament, the book of First Samuel, 16:7:
God looks on the heart.
Read some more of Mark. If you have a study Bible you can cross reference some of the parables and miracles that also appear in Matthew and Luke.