|
Topics: The Kingdom of God
Scripture: Mark 4:21-34
21 He(A) also said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket or under a bed?(B) Isn’t it to be put on a lampstand?(C) 22 For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed,(D) and nothing concealed that will not be brought to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen.”(E) 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear. By the measure(F) you use,(G) it will be measured to you—and more will be added(H) to you. 25 For whoever has, more will be given to him, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”(I)
26 “The kingdom of God(J) is like this,” he said. “A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps(K) and rises(L) night(M) and day; the seed sprouts and grows, although he doesn’t know how. 28 The soil produces a crop(N) by itself—first the blade, then the head, and then the full grain(O) on the head. 29 As soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle,(P) because the harvest(Q) has come.”
30 And(R) he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God,(S) or what parable(T) can we use to describe it? 31 It’s like a mustard seed(U) that, when sown upon the soil, is the smallest of all the seeds on the ground. 32 And when sown,(V) it comes up and grows taller than all the garden plants,(W) and produces large branches, so that the birds of the sky(X) can nest in its shade.”
33 He was speaking the word(Y) to them with many parables(Z) like these, as they were able to understand.(AA) 34 He did not speak to them without a parable. Privately, however, he explained everything to his own disciples.(AB)
Read full chapter