February 1
Mark 4: Why Are You So Afraid?
Genesis 33; Mark 4; Esther 9–10; Romans 4
The parables of Mark 4 can be understood fairly straightforwardly because Jesus tells us their meaning (10-20). The problem is that we don’t want to believe what we read. Just as toys come “some assembly required,” so the gospel of Mark comes to us, “Some childlike submission required.”
Jesus begins his explanation of the parable of the soils (1-9) with a most surprising explanation. Jesus teaches in parables because, while God scatters the seed of the gospel everywhere, God does NOT want everyone to understand (12). As much as we might not like this, it is the only way to understand what Jesus says here. The only doctrinal conclusion we can make is that for some, judgment for our sins begins now, in this life, as God withholds a person’s understanding of the gospel.
Then verses 16-18 give us another difficult doctrine: that some will at first present as though they are saved, but they will not endure to the end. They will “fall away.” It might have been Sproul who said it, but regardless the saying is true: God’s people are saved, being saved, and will be saved. The true disciple does not just voice a one-time prayer but perseveres (however imperfectly) in faith to the end.
While this might leave us sobered (and it should), Jesus’ full teaching is meant to leave in a state of optimistic faith. The good soil produces an abundant harvest (20). The light will shine (22). Just uncover it.
Therefore, we should sow seeds with optimism, regardless of what place in the farming process we are called to. Because the harvest willcome (26-29). For the kingdom is like the tiny mustard seed (30-32). Such a small thing to speak the gospel to someone, yet that small moment can grow into a tree largest enough for all the nations to find refuge.
An example is “Alcoholics Anonymous.” This worldwide program for freeing people from addictions - probably the most successful in history - sprang out of the friend of its founder attending a Bible study and becoming a Christian. And look around you - the Western world is inexplicable without understanding Christianity and the gospel as its seed.
But what might ground the disciples’ faith and propel it forward? When the storm comes (35-41), the waves are crashing over the side of their boat, but Jesus is asleep on a cushion at the stern. This only exasperates the fearful disciples.
So Jesus: “Peace, be still.” And the sea obeyed.
Jesus asked them and our anxious generation, too: “Why are you so afraid?” (40) The sea had the good sense to find peace by obeying his words. So must we.