RSV ~ Mark 4 Notes
Mk 4:2 | ISB Notes
in parables: A teaching method with two purposes. (1) Parables conceal Jesus’ message from the faithless, so that the stories and scenes from everyday life have no impact on those who react to his claims with opposition and violence. See note on Mk 4:12. (2) Parables also reveal the mystery of Jesus’ mission to those who believe and embrace his message. In short, the parables draw us into divine mysteries according to the measure and intensity of our faith (4:33; CCC 546).
See word study: Parables at Mt 13.
Mk 4:3-8 | ISB Notes
The parable of the Sower. Jesus places himself in a long line of OT prophets whose message was received by some but rejected by many (Mt 23:37; Heb 11:32-38). Jesus is the sower whose message likewise elicits diverse responses. The condition of the soil in each scenario determines one’s reaction to Jesus (see CCC 29). Three responses prove unfruitful: those like the path are corrupted by Satan (4:15); those like rocky ground are hampered by weak and partial commitments to the gospel (4:17); those with thorns are entangled in the distractions and concerns of the world (4:19). Jesus’ graphic language (devoured, scorched, choked; 4:4, 6-7) underscores the opposition facing the gospel. In contrast, the good soil is receptive to God’s word and yields an abundant harvest (CCC 2707).
• The imagery in Jesus’ parable evokes Is 55:10-13, where Isaiah describes God’s word as a powerful and effective force. He cannot sow his divine word without bringing blessing and accomplishing his will.
Mk 4:11 | ISB Notes
To you has been given: Jesus explains his parables to the inner circle of disciples. By instructing them privately, he prepares them for their future role as teachers and stewards of God’s mysteries (16:15, 20; 1 Cor 4:1).
• According to Vatican II (Dei Verbum, 7), Jesus ensures the transmission of his truth to every age by the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church through the teaching and apostolic succession of bishops (Jn 14:26; 16:13; 2 Tim 2:2) (CCC 888-90).
Mk 4:12 | ISB Notes
see but not perceive: A paraphrase of Is 6:9-10.
• Isaiah was commissioned by the Lord to file a covenant lawsuit against Jerusalem in the eighth century B.C. It was a time when wickedness and injustice were flourishing in Israel despite Yahweh’s repeated attempts to reform the people (Is 5:1-30). As a result of persistent rebellion, Israel became blind and deaf to the warnings of the prophets. Isaiah’s mission was a dreadful one of preaching judgment upon his wayward generation until destruction and exile would overtake all but a holy remnant of the people (Is 6:13). Jesus likewise addresses a crooked generation and preaches a message that reaches a remnant of Israel but leaves the rest hardened and unresponsive (Jn 12:37-43; Acts 28:23-28).
Mk 4:14-20 | ISB Notes
Jesus explains the parable to his disciples only when they are “alone” (4:10). The crowd “outside” is not privileged to hear its interpretation (4:11).
Mk 4:21-22 | ISB Notes
A parable about the purpose and function of Jesus’ teaching. Although the mystery of the kingdom is temporarily hidden and secret in parables, its true meaning will eventually be manifest and come to light (Lk 12:2).
Mk 4:26-29 | ISB Notes
An agricultural parable found only in Mark. Jesus compares the mystery of natural, organic growth to the expansion of the kingdom of God. The kingdom will visibly mature like grain, but the spiritual forces behind it will remain invisible. The parable of the Leaven in Mt 13:33 elucidates the same mystery.
• Morally (St. Gregory the Great, Hom. in Ezek. 2, 3): the maturing grain signifies our increase in virtue. First, the seeds of good intentions are sown; these gradually bring forth the blade of repentance and ultimately the mature ear of charitable works. When established in virtue, we are made ripe for God’s harvest.
Mk 4:29 | ISB Notes
the harvest: The day of God’s manifestation and judgment (Jer 51:33; Joel 3:13; Mt 13:39; Rev 14:15).
Mk 4:30-32 | ISB Notes
The parable of the Mustard Seed. It is based on the difference between the smallest seed and the greatest shrub and depicts how Christ’s kingdom begins with a small band of disciples and gradually grows into a worldwide Church.
• The imagery Jesus uses to explain this is drawn from OT oracles that describe the dominion of ancient empires. Babylon (Dan 4:10-12), Egypt (Ezek 31:1-6), and Israel (Ezek 17:2224) were all portrayed as kingdoms that grew into mighty trees. See note on Mt 13:32.
Mk 4:35-41 | ISB Notes
Jesus manifests his divinity by exercising authority over nature.
• According to the OT, God alone has the power to subdue the raging seas (Ps 89:9; 93:4; 107:28-29). This biblical background alarms the disciples and prompts their question, Who then is this … ? (4:41).
• Morally (St. Augustine, Sermo 51): the episode at sea signifies the drama of the Christian life. All of God’s children embark with Christ on a life that is full of dangerous storms, especially attacks from evil spirits and temptations of the flesh. We must learn to trust in Christ daily, since he alone can restrain these forces and bring us to the safe harbor of salvation. .