Why Some People Never Get It

The Point of Parables (Mark 4:1-13)

• The parables of Jesus were memorable stories intended to provoke Kingdom learning and living.
• Jesus’ teaching required the hearers to possess spiritual openness and mental diligence.
• The same teaching of Jesus can cause the repentant to receive more and the rebellious to resist more.

The Point of This Parable (Mark 4:14-20)

• The Deceived (Mark 4:15)
  • The seed on the path represents a deceived person whom Satan continually hinders.
  • A person who is close-minded and hard-hearted struggles to accept biblical truth.
• The Shallow (Mark 4:16-17)
  • The seed on the rocky ground represents a shallow person who fails to establish roots with which to grow.
  • A person who doesn’t establish roots will be unable to withstand hard seasons as a believer.
• The Distracted (Mark 4:18-19)
  • The seed among the thorns represents a distracted person who gets caught up by the world.
  • The world and the Word can’t both possess your affections at the same time.
• The Fruitful (Mark 4:20)
  • The seed among the good soil represents a fruitful person who hears, accepts, and shares the Word.
  • The health of your devotion can be determined by the fruit of your ministry.

Which description best summarizes your spiritual life over the last 6 months?

• Deceived
• Shallow
• Distracted
• Fruitful