St. Mark - session 3
Level 1
Have you ever seen a necklace that holds a pendant with a mustard seed encased in glass? Have you ever heard someone say, Oh, I have faith, just about the size of a mustard seed, but that's enough. I don't think so! Well, it's not enough for me. What does Mark have to say about this?
Jesus said, "The Kingdom of Heaven. . . is like a mustard seed. It's the
smallest of seeds, yet, when planted becomes the largest of all garden plants."
(Mark 4:30-32)
This should clear up some misunderstanding of this little seed. For if the heart of an unbeliever gets a glimpse of the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven — accepts this, relies on this — a chance for a New Life in Christ opens up for this person.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/6/8/26685224/4739701.jpg?430)
In other words, The Kingdom of Heaven, the full understanding of it, is a secret until it is "planted" in one's heart. Faith doesn't stay as small as a mustard seed. If fully realized, it grows by leaps and bounds! The unbeliever, becomes a Believer . . . a new creature in Christ! Let's not forget that the Kingdom of Heaven is large enough to hold the spirits of everyone who ever lived! More about that later.
Level 2
Who has never heard of the remarkable miracle called "the feeding of the five thousand"? (Mk 6:30-44) I suppose many have heard, but it has no effect. They don't believe it! One of my commentaries (in book form) wonders why so many who sat there, partook of the loaves and the fishes, and still did not give up all to follow Jesus.
Even the disciples, a few hours later, frightened in the boat by themselves, were amazed that the wind died down. This happened when Jesus, walking on the water, climbed into the boat.
Even the disciples, a few hours later, frightened in the boat by themselves, were amazed that the wind died down. This happened when Jesus, walking on the water, climbed into the boat.
. . . they had not understood about the loaves: their hearts were hardened.
(Mark 6:52)
Think about that for awhile. How many of us have had something unusual happen in our lives, thinking, it's just a coincidence, or a lucky break. Do you have a theory about why that is? I do, too, but I'm getting ahead of myself.