DCLM YOUTH STS LESSON 76 PARABLES OF THE SEEDS

Memory Verse: “And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them; and when they were alone he expounded all things to his disciples” (Mark 4:33,34).  

Text: Mark 4:1-41

‘‘And began again to teach by the sea side; and there was gathered unto him a great multitude“(verse 1). Jesus was a great teacher come from heaven. His major mission on earth was to teach people about the kingdom of God, to heal the sick and preach the gospel. One major feature of Christ’s teaching ministry was the use of parables.” “And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine” (verse 2). Parables were simple stories or illustrations which the Lord used to explain deep spiritual truth. Such parables often serve a dual purpose.

One, they conceal the truth from unserious and ill-motivated seekers. Two, they make sincere seekers to think deeply, ask questions and in the process they are able to discover in more comprehensive detail, the spiritual truth that Jesus was teaching them. The use of parables thus prevented people from being mere passive listeners. Instead, it made them to participate more in the learning process and to discover spiritual truths for themselves.

1.   THE SOWER, THE SEED AND THE SOIL 

Mark 4:3-20; Matthew 13:1-23;Luke 8:4-15

Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a sower who went out to sow, as it was the practice in those days. The process often resulted in some seeds falling on unwanted places such as the way side, rocky places and among thorns. Only the seeds that fell on the good or prepared soil had chances of producing appreciable fruits. The seeds that fell by the way side were exposed to the hardened and well-worn pathway. Consequently, the birds of the air easily snatched them up. Those on the stony ground seldom germinate because they lack moisture. The seeds among thorns may germinate, but the thorns often choke them by and by. The seeds on the good ground germinate and grow to maturity bringing forth fruits in thirty, sixty or an hundred fold.

Question 1: What can Christian youths learn from the interpretation of the parable of the sower?   

The disciples asked the Lord for the meaning of this parable and He systematically outlined the interpretation for them. From the Lord’s explanation, Christian youths can learn some lessons.

First, it is not enough to hear the word of God we must ensure that we obey. A mere superficial hearing will be of no benefit unless we are determined to practice what we hear (James 1:22-25).

Second, we must consciously seek to understand the words that are taught. For example, the disciples heard the parable like other people but secretly came to the Lord for further clarifications. To receive explanation from the Lord will involve tarrying before Him in prayers, seeking, meditating and asking questions after the  teaching of Search the Scriptures for further clarification on areas not understood. The believers in Berea were like the disciples (Acts 17:10,12). Lazy and unserious youths can neither learn much nor make much spiritual progress in God’s kingdom. This is why Jesus said unto the disciples, “Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables” (Mark 4:11). The crowd consisted of so many unserious seekers who would never bother to check up and seek to understand what they heard or saw. As such, they have eyes to see but do not truly see and they have ear to hear but do not truly hear. Consequently, they can neither develop nor have the kind of faith that would bring them  salvation “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Third, the four kinds of soil represents four kinds of hearers. It may also represent different stages in an individual’s life. Some seekers are comparable to the “way side” in their reception and perception of the truth. They are so carefree and unworried by their ignorance of God’s word. They fail to understand God’s word and do little or nothing to improve. The rocky ground hearers are those whose response to God’s word is merely superficial and short-lived. They easily loose their faith in the face of tribulation and persecution. “Thorny-hearted” hearers are those who want to serve two masters. They easily embrace worldly cares, worries and anxieties, while they profess religiosity. On the other hand, the seed on good ground are those who sincerely receive the word of God and practice it. They are the only ones who can produce fruits in multiple folds because of their tenacity of purpose and firm determination to excel in the face of daunting odds.

Fourth, there are degrees of fruitfulness. Some are thirty- fold, some sixty-fold and others hundred-fold. These show that we can grow in fruitfulness (John 15:2) and that there can be variations in the way believing youths exhibit then fruits of repentance, evangelism and of the Spirit. Youths who are more diligent will be more fruitful than the others. But all should desire to grow to perfection in fruit-bearing.

Question 2: What should be our attitude to those who reject the gospel?

Jesus’ example should serve as encouragement and warning to those who sow the seed of God’s word. Not everyone will respond positively to our messages (Ezekiel 3:5- 7). We should not allow the number of those who reject the message to demoralize us as to give up sowing the word of God. “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him” (Psalm 126:5,6). As believing youths, we should let our light shine before all men that sinners can easily trace their way to Christ through our personal examples at home,’ school, church or community. We should not hide our light and should be careful how we treat the word of God in various places.

2.   A LAMP ON A STAND, THE GROWING SEED AND THE MUSTARD SEED 

Mark 4:21-34; Matthew 13:31,32; Luke 13:18,19

In this second parable, Christ asked a pertinent question, “And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?” (Mark 4:21). This made it clear that there is nothing kept secret that shall not be exposed (Hebrews 4:13). He therefore stated that those who “have ears to hear, let them hear”. Christ pointed to the importance of paying adequate attention to the word of God (verse 25). The Lord in the third parable compared the kingdom of heaven to a seed planted in the ground and began to grow even though the man who planted the seed did not understand how the growth took place. The plant went through different stages of growth before bearing fruits and, finally, ready for harvest. This parable signifies the gradual and continual nature of spiritual growth. Whether as an individual or a church, growth or maturity takes place through a process of time. We can hasten up our growth process. by receiving wholeheartedly the word of God; searching the Scriptures person ally, attending fellowship regularly, praying consistently and preaching the gospel constantly.

Question 3: What is the lesson from the parable of the mustard seed?

The Lord also compared the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. Though it is a very small, almost imperceptible seed, it has the ability to sprout when planted. Then, it becomes a large garden plant (not a big tree but one of the 1 largest herbaceous plants) under whose shade birds of the air, easily lodge. This parable teaches a believing youth the insignificant beginning of the Christian faith; its dramatic outcome and overwhelming influence upon the world. Are you a growing Christian?

3.   JESUS CALMS THE STORM

Mark 4:35-41;John 14:27; Romans 14:17; Ephesians 2:14-17; Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 26:3,4:48:18; Philippians 4:6-9; Romans 16:20

“And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side” (verse 35). This was the proclamation of Christ after His sermon on parables, which means no storm, Satan or devil can contradict or nullify His word. Christ is infallible, irresistible and incomparable. If He promised anything, presence and power, it will be fulfilled in our lives. “Let us pass over unto the other side”. This was the proclamation that Christ made personally. The plan of Jesus for His disciple was for them to get to the other side. He chose them to be fruitful and make progress, and nothing could hinder that. Therefore, there should not be reason for their anxiety. Because the crisis could not be reconciled with Christ’s plan, promise, purpose, and precept; so there should be no reason for them to be afraid of a storm. Christian youths should learn from this. They should never allow fear to overwhelm them. Rather, they should take their fear to Jesus in whom there is peace.

Question 4: As Christian youths, what should be our reaction during challenges of life?

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39). Christ is greater than your persecutions, oppositions, fears, storms, winds and all the things that want to stop your journey half-way. Everything Jesus said in His power and promise, He has sealed with His blood. His word will be yea and amen in your life. Trust in the Lord forever no matter the situation and condition of your life, and you will not be ashamed (Isaiah 26:4). “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). Your heavenly Father knows and care for you as His sons and daughters.