Mark 4 1 20 Hear Jesus never changes

Mark 4: 1 -20

Hear! • Jesus never changes • he’s always doing new things … • a new nation • a new family • a new kingdom • a new word

Hear! • what is a parable? • an earthly story with a heavenly meaning … • a picture • a mirror – to see ourselves • a window – to see God

Hear! • the seed is a symbol of the word of God • the sower represents Jesus and anyone who spreads the good news • plentifully (2 Cor. 9: 6) • passionately (Ps. 126: 6) • patiently (Gal. 6: 9)

Hear! • the four soils – four different responses to the Bible message • ‘he who has ears to hear, let him hear’ (9) • truth - use it or lose it!

Hear! • the hard-hearted (15) • ‘in ear … out ear’ – no interest in the Bible • ‘It’s not for me!’ • ground needs ploughed • comfort zone squeezed

Hear! • the hard-hearted (15) ‘The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of man. ’ C S Lewis

Hear! • the soft-hearted (16 -17) • say ‘yes’ to Jesus with an initial enthusiasm • then goes pear-shaped • end up cursing God for their spate of bad luck • a skin-deep experience

Hear! • the half-hearted (18 -19) • divided loyalties – a life pulled in two directions • worries and wealth • you can’t run with the foxes and hunt with the hounds at same time

Hear! • the open-hearted (20) • God’s word takes root • character – the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5: 22 -23) • good works (Eph. 2: 10) • fruitful and fulfilled

Hear! The nearest way to a man’s heart is through his ears!