# Mark Chapter 4
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## Summary

Jesus teaches from the sea offering the parable of the sower. He explains this plainly to his disciples noting that the only purpose for concealment is revelation. He uses the analogy of lighting a lamp and concealing this under a basket. Jesus uses further analogy to describe what the Kingdom of God is 'like'. Yet he explains things plainly to his disciples. Jesus then goes out onto the sea with his disciples and a storm arises. Jesus calms the storm and the disciples are fearful questioning who he is.

## Imagery and Themes

One recurrent theme from this passage is Jesus desire for individuals to pay attention. There is repeated use of 'hear' in verses [4:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A9&version=ESV), [4:11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A11&version=ESV), [4:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A14&version=ESV), [4:23-24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A23-24&version=ESV), [4:33](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A33&version=ESV) among others.

We see this again emphasised within the content of both parable, analogy and borderline cryptic passages. The Parable of the sower communicating the significance of how what is *heard* is recieved. The analogy of the lamp under a basket emphasising the absurdity of concealing what has been *heard*. But also the cryptic suggestion that it is necessary to pay attention to what is heard as the measure we used upon hearing will be use to measure us. It is after all easy to draw surface level conclusions based on what we hear plainly. To measure carefully is far more difficult. 

Our measure has the potential to 'measure us' because parables are the mirror Jesus holds up towards us to help us to view ourselves. Are we good soil? Do we seek to conceal light under a basket? This is the measure we cannot escape nor help but be confronted by within the parable. If we see this there is opportunity for us to take action (more will be given) but if we don't *hear* then even the parable is taken from us with no possibility to bear fruit.

Jesus also attempts to describe what the Kingdom of God is like by analogy. Such as the mustard seed producing a large tree; suggestive that whilst the Kingdom sown appears small it has significant implications for the entire ecosystem. But also that the inner workings of such processes are not known or observed by us, yet this does not prevent or inhibit fruitfullness. These are interesting glimpses into what Jesus understands the Kingdom to be.

The chapter conclude with a clear indication of Jesus authority over his environment. He is so indifferent to the existential threat his disciples feel that he is asleep. Water is symbolic of change, cleansing and chaos. In keeping with thematic issues described above, the fear felt by his disciples is relatable. Not only did they face an internal existential challenge because of the mirror of Jesus teaching but also externally faced the prospect of destruction by external forces of chaos and change. Yet Jesus demonstrates authority and power to not only bring change but to halt it.