Introduction

Mark 4:10–20: Jesus’s disciples ask him to explain the parable. He tells them that people are like seeds sown in different types of soil, illustrating the various ways in which people receive and respond to God’s message.

Today’s Key Verse: Mark 4:20a

[Jesus said:] “Other people are like seeds sown in good soil. They hear the message, accept it, and bear fruit.”

Reading

10 When Jesus was alone, some of those who had heard him came to him with the twelve disciples and asked him to explain the parables. 11 “You have been given the secret of the Kingdom of God,” Jesus answered. “But the others, who are on the outside, hear all things by means of parables, 12 so that,

‘They may look and look,
    yet not see;
they may listen and listen,
    yet not understand.
For if they did, they would turn to God,
    and he would forgive them.’”

13 Then Jesus asked them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How, then, will you ever understand any parable? 14 The sower sows God’s message. 15 Some people are like the seeds that fall along the path; as soon as they hear the message, Satan comes and takes it away. 16 Other people are like the seeds that fall on rocky ground. As soon as they hear the message, they receive it gladly. 17 But it does not sink deep into them, and they don’t last long. So when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they give up at once. 18 Other people are like the seeds sown among the thorn bushes. These are the ones who hear the message, 19 but the worries about this life, the love for riches, and all other kinds of desires crowd in and choke the message, and they don’t bear fruit. 20 But other people are like seeds sown in good soil. They hear the message, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirty, some sixty, and some one hundred.”

Reflect

Recall yesterday’s reading and the four different places in which the seeds were scattered. How does Jesus’s explanation correspond to these four places? Reread verse 20. In what ways can you be like seed sown in good soil? What “fruit” will you bear today?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I seek to be “good soil” that is open to receiving the seed of your teachings. Increase my knowledge of you day by day so that I grow in faith and bear fruit that gives honor and glory to you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Mark 4:21–34: Jesus continues teaching about the Kingdom of God.