GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
Sowing the Seed: Mk 4,1-9
In verses 1-2, note how the evangelist sets the scene. What has happened to the crowd since 3,20 and 3,32? What is the significance of Jesus sitting when he gets into the boat? (See Mt 5,1, though the setting there is rather different.)
Compare verse 1 with Mt 13,1.
Verse 2 then introduces the parables with a key theme (see 1,21) and the way Jesus fulfils it. We have seen Jesus touch on this already (3,23) and it comes up again in this discourse (4,11) and will form the conclusion to the discourse (4,33-34). Without going into any detail at this stage, what is the purpose of teaching in this way?
"Listen" at the beginning of verse 3 recalls Dt 6,4. Traditionally, this parable is known as the parable of the sower, who is introduced in this verse. Why is this traditional title unsatisfactory? Yet, having read the parable, we can consider who might be the sower. See 1,14-15 and 4,26.30.
Verses 4 to 8 describe the process of sowing. It is said that sowing at this time came before ploughing. List out the various places where the seed falls and what happens to it. For verse 7, a look at Gen 3,18; Is 5,6 and Jer 12,13 is interesting. How does is there a progression in the fate of the seed?
Then, what happens to the seed in verse 8?
Note how the conclusion in verse 9 refers back to the beginning of the parable.
Where have we got to with the parable at this point? How does it follow on from 3,31-35?
we are now ready for my response.
We move on and read the private teaching of Jesus and the interpretation of the parable, 4,10-25. Teaching which is private to the disciples, private to us the readers as well.