A Study of Mark 4

Within this chapter of the Gospel account, we move on from the conflict between Christ and the authorities of the day and are then presented with a series of teachings in the form of parables by Jesus.  The goal of these parables is to present to the hearer the reality that has now come through Christ in the new Messianic Age, for He is both the sewer and the seed that is planted and grows in our hearts; he is the light that we attempt to hide within us which cannot indeed be concealed, for when it is fostered, its measure will be multiplied. His kingdom is the smallest seed planted that will grow into a great shrub. Finally, His kingdom is the one that has been planted and will grow regardless of our labors, for He is the Creator of all.  Finally, His divine authority will be put on full display as he calms the storm on the sea, saving his followers and revealing Himself to be the same Logos Who, in the beginning, called chaos into ordered constituting creation through His divine Word. St. John The Baptist website: https://www.saintjohnthebaptist.org/ GOA Parish Directory: https://www.goarch.org/parishes List of Sources Used For This Study: Revised Standard Version of the Bible National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%201&version=RSV The Religion of the Apostles Fr. Stephan De Young https://holycrossbookstore.com/products/the-religion-of-the-apostles-orthodox-christianity-in-the-first-century?_pos=1&_psq=the+religion+of+the+ap&_ss=e&_v=1.0 At the End of Time: The Eschatological Expectations of the Church Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos https://holycrossbookstore.com/products/at-the-end-of-time The Gospel According to Saint Mark Bishop Gerasimos of Abydos https://holycrossbookstore.com/products/the-gospel-according-to-saint-mark Explanation of the Holy Gospel According to Mark (Soft Cover) Theophylact of Ochrid https://holycrossbookstore.com/products/0635c1b0-0fb9-11e7-e820-5b79d48c82f2?_pos=6&_sid=5f044f26b&_ss=r The Gospel of Mark: The Suffering Servant Fr. Lawrence R. Farley https://holycrossbookstore.com/products/the-gospel-of-mark-the-suffering-servant?_pos=3&_psq=The+gospel+of+ma&_ss=e&_v=1.0 The New Testament Introduction, vol. 1. - Paul and Mark Fr. Paul N Tarazi https://holycrossbookstore.com/products/new-testament-introduction-the-vol-i-paul-and-mark?_pos=9&_sid=81aa9a5a0&_ss=r Authority and Passion Archbishop Demetrios, Formerly of America New Edition Coming Soon Mark C. Clifton Black Mark 1-8 Mark 8-16 Joel Marcus Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Mark Thomas C. Oden & Christopher A. Hall