Chronological Reading Plan for Oct 14, Mk 4-5

Today's readings are Mk 4-5. Tomorrow's reading is Mt 11.

The parables in Mark 4 are similar to those we've heard before but we get more detail. Again the parables are about the kingdom of God, how it is grown by His hand but witnessed by those who believe. Again we hear it starts out very small. Jesus explains to the 12 what these parables mean and why He speaks in simple stories.

Then we hear the story of the storm which also appears in Lk 8. Jesus is in the boat with the twelve. He has promised them that, although there are not many of them, the kingdom of God will begin with them. This echoes the parable of the sower and how the kingdom and the gospel can have small beginnings. God will eventually make their efforts to witness cover the world. 

This may well be why, when they awaken Jesus, saying they are about to perish, He says, "Have you still no faith?" Not only did He tell them they were going to the other side, but that they also are the beginning of the gospel ministry God will use to change the world. He was not about to let them die on the Sea of Galilee!

Jesus heals the man with the legion of demons. In this telling of the event, we hear a point to ponder that may have an impact on how the church views "seekers." The man who has been delivered begs to be allowed to follow Jesus. Jesus sends him home instead. Whether Jesus knew the man was insincere we are not told. All we know is that, in this case, we see someone seeking out the Lord before being called. The man is sent away.