What a difference a small seed can make when it grows and produces. Jesus teaches in parables, or comparisons, and says that the kingdom takes root by God’s providing and by God’s strength, but wherever it takes hold, it makes a huge difference.
Worship this week with Holy Communion;
Saturday — 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday — 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School and adult class
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Devotions for this week:
Jesus teaches in parables January 16-17, 2016
He began to teach them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: “Listen! A sower went out to sow.” Mark 4:2-3
How can we say what God’s kingdom is like? Even Jesus used metaphor to talk about it, and around it. To crowds hungry for hope, he talked of scattered seed and dramatic crop yields, of the revealing of truth, of a tiny promise that grew into shelter for many. He gave them as much as they were able to hear.
Read: Sunday, Mark 4:1-34, Parables in Mark
Monday, Psalm 126
Tuesday, Mark 3:31-35, The True Kindred of Jesus
Wednesday, Mark 4:35-41, Jesus Stills a Storm
Thursday, Mark 5:1-20, Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac
Friday, Mark 6:30-44, Feeding the Five Thousand
Saturday, Mark 6:45-52, Jesus Walks on Water
How do Jesus’ healings and miracles support his teachings?
- Which of Jesus’ parables are the most difficult for you to understand? Why? What modern parables tell the stories of people today?
- What does the parable of the sower tell you about God’s word? How might you be a sower of the word? How might you be good soil to receive God’s word? How might you be the seed that spreads God’s word to the world?
Do: Plant herb seeds in a pot. Take good care of your plant so you can use the herbs in your cooking this summer.
Bless: May God plant God’s word in you. Amen.
