Mark 4
Summary. In Chapter 4, the Lord Jesus teaches the crowd in parables and also privately explains everything to His disciples. The chapter ends with the Lord Jesus and the disciples leaving the multitude and taking a boat on the sea. The Lord Jesus calms a storm, showing His disciples that He is more than just a human. The Lord reveals to His disciples the power and authority that He has over all things, seen and unseen worlds. Some of the parables in this chapter have similarities with other parables given by the Lord in the Gospels of Mathew and Luke, but, as presented in Mark, they stand on their own and offer new insights. The following is a summary of the parables given in this chapter. 1) The parable of the sower. The parable shows that the way your heart is, it is how the Word will grow, not how smart you are; the smartness will not help you understand the Word; the heart will help you understand. The openness and cleanness deep in the heart are like a curtain for the mind to understand the Word that has been sown down to it (the curtain for the heart is the openness and cleanness of your heart, which makes us understand more or less the meaning of the Word). 2) The parable of a lamp under a basket. The Bible is the lamp for all humans in the world, and the Bible cannot be hidden. Watch out and treasure your Bible; many will try to change things in the Bible. The way to know the true Bible is by the Holy Spirit; the Lord will send His Holy Spirit and convince your heart to think again and again before accepting something. 3) The parable of the seed growing. When a seed is sown in a person, not everyone feels they have something valuable within them. The fruit is the gift of the Spirit; everyone has a gift, but a different gift. When the fruit is ripe, the person who received the gift learns, accepts, and knows that it is not by their own efforts that they have it, but because of the mercy of the Lord. 4) The parable of the mustard seed. The whole parable relates to growing the plant. The mustard plant is easy to grow, fast, and efficient, spreading like wildfire. It is the same with the Bible; give one Bible to one country on the earth, and you will see it will grow like wildfire in that country, affecting every soul. The other garden plants refer to many faiths on earth. They are all plants on earth, but the mustard plant that the Lord picked grows bigger than them, making branches that even the birds of the air come to benefit from it.
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And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered together to Him , so that He , having entered into a boat, sat in the sea; and all the multitude was by the sea on the land.
Comments Mark 4:1
See also Comments Matthew 13:1-2, and Comments Luke 8:4.
Q: Are the parables in Mark 4, Matthew 13, and Luke 8 given to the same group of people at the same time and in the same place? A: It was not a same-time event; it was a different group of people in the same general area, but the same parables were given. Remember that the Lord Jesus always travels; He doesn’t stay long in one place. That is why it is not exactly the same spot, but a nearby area. Questions arise in many hearts, even now; look at how people struggle with it: in each Gospel, different words for using give different meanings. But in the Bible, it is not that the writers try to change the words, but because different people are listening, the understanding of each group and each place will be different, even with the same words. In each Gospel, the Lord Jesus wants to make a difference between people, and that is why the words are different.
Q: Mark 4:1 and Matthew 13:1-2 say that the Lord Jesus sat in the boat, and the crowd was on the shore by the sea. Did the Lord teach this way, from the boat, on different days more than once? A: The Lord Jesus is in the boat on many, many occasions because it is a different group of people, and people crowd around Him. The Lord will go into a boat to be able to teach each group each time. We can say that, even in Matthew and Mark, when the events show that the same parables were spoken by the Lord Jesus sitting in the boat, the Lord Jesus addressed different groups of people at different times. The Lord Jesus sat in the boat teaching, and people were coming and going, and the Lord Jesus taught them in parables.
Q: Is this a one-time event? A: It is not a one-time event; the time is always changing, people come and go, and the Lord is travelling all the time. It has never been the same event or in the same spot.
Q: Are the parables in Mark 4, Matthew 13, and Luke 8 given to the same group of people at the same time and in the same place? A: It was not a same-time event; it was a different group of people in the same general area, but the same parables were given. Remember that the Lord Jesus always travels; He doesn’t stay long in one place. That is why it is not exactly the same spot, but a nearby area. Questions arise in many hearts, even now; look at how people struggle with it: in each Gospel, different words for using give different meanings. But in the Bible, it is not that the writers try to change the words, but because different people are listening, the understanding of each group and each place will be different, even with the same words. In each Gospel, the Lord Jesus wants to make a difference between people, and that is why the words are different.
Q: Mark 4:1 and Matthew 13:1-2 say that the Lord Jesus sat in the boat, and the crowd was on the shore by the sea. Did the Lord teach this way, from the boat, on different days more than once? A: The Lord Jesus is in the boat on many, many occasions because it is a different group of people, and people crowd around Him. The Lord will go into a boat to be able to teach each group each time. We can say that, even in Matthew and Mark, when the events show that the same parables were spoken by the Lord Jesus sitting in the boat, the Lord Jesus addressed different groups of people at different times. The Lord Jesus sat in the boat teaching, and people were coming and going, and the Lord Jesus taught them in parables.
Q: Is this a one-time event? A: It is not a one-time event; the time is always changing, people come and go, and the Lord is travelling all the time. It has never been the same event or in the same spot.
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Listen! Behold, the sower went out to sow;
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and it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it;
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and other fell on the rocky, where it had not much earth; and straightaway it sprang up, because it had no deepness of earth;
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and when the sun was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
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And other fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
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And others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing; and brought forth, one thirtyfold, and one sixtyfold, and one hundredfold.
[9]
And He said, He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Comments Mark 4:1-9
For verses 1 to 12, see Comments Matthew 13:1-15 and Comments Luke 8:4-10).
Comparison Analysis Mark 4:1-9
Part 1: (Mark 4:1-2, Matthew 13:1-3, and Luke 8:4). From these verses of Scripture, we can see that in each Gospel the Lord Jesus teaches many things in parables, and the time and place given for each Gospel differ, but are not far apart.
Part 2: (Mark 4:3-4, Matthew 13:3-4, and Luke 8:5). The main point in all three Gospels is that a sower goes out to sow his seed, and the seed falls along the path, and the birds come and devour it. In Luke 8:5, we are also told that the seed is trampled underfoot. We can see that the parables are the same, but a few words make the difference, and it depends on the listener, because the Lord knows the hearts of people. Some things people can take, and some not; the Lord wants to show the way for each group to understand how to take the parable, but all have the same meaning. The Lord gives to the writer, and each Gospel will be a little different than the other because the readers can find help from each Gospel in different areas. For example, here Mark adds more things but also cuts something out. People who read the Bible are supposed to find out what each Gospel says, put them all together, and get the core meaning out.
Part 3: (Mark 4:5-6, Matthew 13:5-6, and Luke 8:6). The difference between the verses in Mark, Matthew, and Luke is where the seed falls: specifically, on rocky ground or on rock. They are similar, but we should separate the differences. Find the common ground; don’t try to look up each word itself. The words may differ, but the meaning in all three Gospels is the same; don’t pick on the individual words. The difference is the key; therefore, ask yourselves why it is different. If it is only one group of people, there is no need to make a difference; but because there is not the same group of people in Mark, Matthew, and Luke who hear the parable, the parable differs.
Part 4: (Mark 4:7, Matthew 13:7, and Luke 8:7). In all three Gospels, the words in these verses are very similar, and the meaning is the same.
Part 5: (Mark 4:8-9, Matthew 13:8-9, and Luke 8:8). The verses in Mark and Matthew are very similar, though there are some ordering differences. In the Gospel of Luke, the yield of the good seed falling on the good soil is given only as a hundredfold. However, the meaning of the parable in all three Gospels is the same. The meaning is the same; just the arrangement and order of explanation are different, which does not change the meaning.
Comparison Analysis Mark 4:1-9
Part 1: (Mark 4:1-2, Matthew 13:1-3, and Luke 8:4). From these verses of Scripture, we can see that in each Gospel the Lord Jesus teaches many things in parables, and the time and place given for each Gospel differ, but are not far apart.
Part 2: (Mark 4:3-4, Matthew 13:3-4, and Luke 8:5). The main point in all three Gospels is that a sower goes out to sow his seed, and the seed falls along the path, and the birds come and devour it. In Luke 8:5, we are also told that the seed is trampled underfoot. We can see that the parables are the same, but a few words make the difference, and it depends on the listener, because the Lord knows the hearts of people. Some things people can take, and some not; the Lord wants to show the way for each group to understand how to take the parable, but all have the same meaning. The Lord gives to the writer, and each Gospel will be a little different than the other because the readers can find help from each Gospel in different areas. For example, here Mark adds more things but also cuts something out. People who read the Bible are supposed to find out what each Gospel says, put them all together, and get the core meaning out.
Part 3: (Mark 4:5-6, Matthew 13:5-6, and Luke 8:6). The difference between the verses in Mark, Matthew, and Luke is where the seed falls: specifically, on rocky ground or on rock. They are similar, but we should separate the differences. Find the common ground; don’t try to look up each word itself. The words may differ, but the meaning in all three Gospels is the same; don’t pick on the individual words. The difference is the key; therefore, ask yourselves why it is different. If it is only one group of people, there is no need to make a difference; but because there is not the same group of people in Mark, Matthew, and Luke who hear the parable, the parable differs.
Part 4: (Mark 4:7, Matthew 13:7, and Luke 8:7). In all three Gospels, the words in these verses are very similar, and the meaning is the same.
Part 5: (Mark 4:8-9, Matthew 13:8-9, and Luke 8:8). The verses in Mark and Matthew are very similar, though there are some ordering differences. In the Gospel of Luke, the yield of the good seed falling on the good soil is given only as a hundredfold. However, the meaning of the parable in all three Gospels is the same. The meaning is the same; just the arrangement and order of explanation are different, which does not change the meaning.
Comments Mark 4:10
See also Comments Matthew 13:10-16, and Comments Luke 8:9-10.
Q: Was the Lord asked the question in verse 10 more than once by His disciples and the people around Him? A: Now, it is a point you can see, at different times, different people were asking questions and listening to the parables. Each Gospel has different questions because they do not happen at the same time. The Gospels have been given, but in each Gospel, we can notice different people at different times who come around the Lord Jesus asking questions; the questions have been asked more than once. Many, many questions have been asked, but each Gospel has a different purpose, which is why they give different records. The purpose of making a difference in each Gospel is the key.
Q: Was the Lord asked the question in verse 10 more than once by His disciples and the people around Him? A: Now, it is a point you can see, at different times, different people were asking questions and listening to the parables. Each Gospel has different questions because they do not happen at the same time. The Gospels have been given, but in each Gospel, we can notice different people at different times who come around the Lord Jesus asking questions; the questions have been asked more than once. Many, many questions have been asked, but each Gospel has a different purpose, which is why they give different records. The purpose of making a difference in each Gospel is the key.
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And He said to them, To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God , but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables;
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so that seeing they may see, and not perceive;
and hearing they may hear, and not understand;
fearing that by chance they should turn, and should be forgiven them.
and hearing they may hear, and not understand;
fearing that by chance they should turn, and should be forgiven them.
Comments Mark 4:11-12
For Mark 4:11-12, see also Comments Matthew 13:11.
“That seeing … not understand.” This saying refers to people who have seen and heard the teachings of the Lord Jesus. They saw the Lord Jesus in front of them teaching, but they couldn’t take it. The Lord was on earth; they saw the difference between the common man and the Lord, and they did not accept His teachings.
““That seeing … not understand.” This saying refers to people who have seen and heard the teachings of the Lord Jesus. They saw the Lord Jesus in front of them teaching, but they couldn’t take it. The Lord was on earth; they saw the difference between the common man and the Lord, and they did not accept His teachings. “Fearing that by chance, they should turn, and should be forgiven them.” Here, the point is not that the Lord does not want them to have forgiveness; pay attention to the meaning. The purpose of each person coming to see and hear the Lord is different. Some do not want to be forgiven; they come only to criticize and try to turn people away. Those who come that way, even if they hear, will never understand or accept, and by faking, they think they can have a chance to receive forgiveness. So the meaning in these verses is not about the Lord not giving forgiveness; the Lord gives forgiveness to all who come with a sincere heart, without exception, but this is not about those types of people. Most people interpret this verse to mean that the Lord fears they will turn. How can the Lord have fear? The “fearing” in this verse is not being afraid to give forgiveness, but instead fearing that those who are not true and pretend to be faithful, can turn away the true ones, that’s all. Here you can link these verses to the parable of the wolf that comes in sheep’s clothing (see Comments Matthew 7:15). They have known the Lord but did not accept, and they pretend to believe in order to cause harm to other believers; it is blasphemy (see Mark 3:28-30). The “fearing” in these verses refers to why the Lord speaks in parables: to help true believers spot the fake ones.
The understanding in Mark 4:12 is that two groups of people come to the Lord: 1) those who have sincere hearts and searching, to whom the Lord will give understanding of the parables, and 2) those who are fake and not sincere, so they will never understand the parables. This second group, since they don’t understand the parables, will not be able to explain anything and convince the other group about their way of understanding and make those people in the first group somehow, by chance, turn away from asking for repentance and forgiveness from the Lord, since the first group will see clearly from the Lord that they themselves are correct. If those from the first group continue asking the Lord to see clearly, they won’t fall into a trap, because the Lord will always help if you come to ask. Really, the Lord does not want people who do not have faith and do not ask the Holy Spirit for understanding to use their own mind and understanding and teach others His Word.
“That seeing … not understand.” This saying refers to people who have seen and heard the teachings of the Lord Jesus. They saw the Lord Jesus in front of them teaching, but they couldn’t take it. The Lord was on earth; they saw the difference between the common man and the Lord, and they did not accept His teachings.
““That seeing … not understand.” This saying refers to people who have seen and heard the teachings of the Lord Jesus. They saw the Lord Jesus in front of them teaching, but they couldn’t take it. The Lord was on earth; they saw the difference between the common man and the Lord, and they did not accept His teachings. “Fearing that by chance, they should turn, and should be forgiven them.” Here, the point is not that the Lord does not want them to have forgiveness; pay attention to the meaning. The purpose of each person coming to see and hear the Lord is different. Some do not want to be forgiven; they come only to criticize and try to turn people away. Those who come that way, even if they hear, will never understand or accept, and by faking, they think they can have a chance to receive forgiveness. So the meaning in these verses is not about the Lord not giving forgiveness; the Lord gives forgiveness to all who come with a sincere heart, without exception, but this is not about those types of people. Most people interpret this verse to mean that the Lord fears they will turn. How can the Lord have fear? The “fearing” in this verse is not being afraid to give forgiveness, but instead fearing that those who are not true and pretend to be faithful, can turn away the true ones, that’s all. Here you can link these verses to the parable of the wolf that comes in sheep’s clothing (see Comments Matthew 7:15). They have known the Lord but did not accept, and they pretend to believe in order to cause harm to other believers; it is blasphemy (see Mark 3:28-30). The “fearing” in these verses refers to why the Lord speaks in parables: to help true believers spot the fake ones.
The understanding in Mark 4:12 is that two groups of people come to the Lord: 1) those who have sincere hearts and searching, to whom the Lord will give understanding of the parables, and 2) those who are fake and not sincere, so they will never understand the parables. This second group, since they don’t understand the parables, will not be able to explain anything and convince the other group about their way of understanding and make those people in the first group somehow, by chance, turn away from asking for repentance and forgiveness from the Lord, since the first group will see clearly from the Lord that they themselves are correct. If those from the first group continue asking the Lord to see clearly, they won’t fall into a trap, because the Lord will always help if you come to ask. Really, the Lord does not want people who do not have faith and do not ask the Holy Spirit for understanding to use their own mind and understanding and teach others His Word.
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And He says to them, Perceive you not this parable? And how will you know all the parables?
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The sower sows the word.
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And these are they by the road, where the word is sown; and when they hear, straightaway comes Satan, and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
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And these in like manner are those sown upon the rocky, who, when they hear the word, straightaway receive it with joy;
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and they have no root in themselves, but are for a season; then, tribulation or persecution having arisen because of the word, straightaway they stumble.
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And others are those sown among the thorns; these are those who hear the word,
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and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
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And these are those sown upon the good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bear fruit, one thirtyfold, and one sixtyfold, and one hundredfold.
Comments Mark 4:13-20
For verses 13 to 20 see also Comments Matthew 13:18-23 and Comments Luke 8:11-15).
Comparison Analysis Mark 4:13-20 Part 1: (Mark 4:13-14, Matthew 13:18, and Luke 8:11). The important understanding in this part is that the “seed” is the Word of God. The “sower” does not refer to certain people; the “sower” refers to people all over the world who are willing to tell the Word of God to whosoever they meet. They have the Word of God in their mouth all the time to tell it out to whosoever they meet. All the believers, not only missionaries or pastors, who believe in the Word of God should tell the Word, because everybody has a mouth to talk; this is what the mouth should speak: the Word of God.
Part 2: (Mark 4:15, Matthew 13:19, and Luke 8:12). Notice some differences in the words used in these verses of Scripture, but all convey the same meaning: the ones along the path hear the Word of God but do not meditate on it, but instead, they listen to the temptations of the world (see also Comments Matthew 13:19).
Part 3: (Mark 4:16-17, Matthew 13:20-21, and Luke 8:13). Notice that in these verses in Matthew and Luke, we have the ones sown on the rock, and in Mark, the ones sown on the rocky. The main understanding is that seed sown on rocky ground or on rock has no root or no root in themselves, and when tribulation or persecution on account of the Word comes, or the testing of faith comes, they fall away (see also Comments Matthew 13:20-21).
Part 4: (Mark 4:18-19, Matthew 13:22, and Luke 8:14). The main understanding from these verses is that “those sown among the thorns” are those who hear and know what the Word of God says, but because they enjoy the pleasures and riches of this world more, they choose not to follow the Word of God (see also Comments Matthew 13:22).
Part 5: (Mark 4:20, Matthew 13:23, and Luke 8:15). Comparing these verses in Mark, Matthew, and Luke reveals some differences in wording, but the meaning remains the same. Matthew, Luke, and Mark, all three Gospels, may say different, a little bit of difference in each Gospel, but they all hold one meaning together. The Lord gives one meaning in all three Gospels, in different ways, but one meaning (see Comments Matthew 13:23).
Comparison Analysis Mark 4:13-20 Part 1: (Mark 4:13-14, Matthew 13:18, and Luke 8:11). The important understanding in this part is that the “seed” is the Word of God. The “sower” does not refer to certain people; the “sower” refers to people all over the world who are willing to tell the Word of God to whosoever they meet. They have the Word of God in their mouth all the time to tell it out to whosoever they meet. All the believers, not only missionaries or pastors, who believe in the Word of God should tell the Word, because everybody has a mouth to talk; this is what the mouth should speak: the Word of God.
Part 2: (Mark 4:15, Matthew 13:19, and Luke 8:12). Notice some differences in the words used in these verses of Scripture, but all convey the same meaning: the ones along the path hear the Word of God but do not meditate on it, but instead, they listen to the temptations of the world (see also Comments Matthew 13:19).
Part 3: (Mark 4:16-17, Matthew 13:20-21, and Luke 8:13). Notice that in these verses in Matthew and Luke, we have the ones sown on the rock, and in Mark, the ones sown on the rocky. The main understanding is that seed sown on rocky ground or on rock has no root or no root in themselves, and when tribulation or persecution on account of the Word comes, or the testing of faith comes, they fall away (see also Comments Matthew 13:20-21).
Part 4: (Mark 4:18-19, Matthew 13:22, and Luke 8:14). The main understanding from these verses is that “those sown among the thorns” are those who hear and know what the Word of God says, but because they enjoy the pleasures and riches of this world more, they choose not to follow the Word of God (see also Comments Matthew 13:22).
Part 5: (Mark 4:20, Matthew 13:23, and Luke 8:15). Comparing these verses in Mark, Matthew, and Luke reveals some differences in wording, but the meaning remains the same. Matthew, Luke, and Mark, all three Gospels, may say different, a little bit of difference in each Gospel, but they all hold one meaning together. The Lord gives one meaning in all three Gospels, in different ways, but one meaning (see Comments Matthew 13:23).
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And He said to them, Is the lamp brought so that it might be put under the bushel, or under the bed, and not that it might be put on the lampstand?
[22]
For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be manifested; neither was anything made hidden, but that it should come to light.
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If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.
Comments Mark 4:21-23
See Comments Matthew 5:15-16, Comments Matthew 10:26, and Comments Luke 8:16-17.
This parable in Mark 4:21-22 has similarities with other parables spoken by the Lord Jesus that are given in Matthew 5:15-16, Matthew 10:26, and Luke 8:16-17, but as given in Mark 4:21-23, it stands on its own.
Parable Analysis Mark 4:21-23 Part 1: (Mark 4:21). “The lamp.” The lamp gives light; the Bible is the lamp for all humans in the world. If you don’t come to the light, you are in darkness; come and read the Living Word of God.
“Under the bushel, or under the bed,” means that the pride of men covers above the knowledge that the Lord has given to humans. This is because when one reads the Bible, they make their own understanding and claim that as what God means, but they did not ask God for the meaning. Humans do not like to admit that their knowledge does not come from themselves but has been given by God. Humans want to be proud that they know all things, but forget to acknowledge the One who gives them that knowledge from the beginning, meaning from when they are born. And they go to human school and think they are smart, but they forget who gave them the intelligence. This is like going and hiding under the bushel. You cannot hide about the One who gives you that knowledge; always glorify the One who gives you that knowledge. The world criticizing you should not make you hide and not admit who the real One is who gives you that knowledge.
“And not that it might be put on the lampstand?” (Lamp put on a lampstand). This verse itself clearly tells all believers that if you call yourself a believer, when people see you, they should see you follow the Bible’s teachings. In the Christian households you visit, have you seen the Bible in their house? The Bible is not to be hidden; if in your home you can’t show people that you have the Bible as a guide, will you do so outside? In your own home, as the verse tells us, don’t hide the Bible but put it on a stand, so people will notice that you have the Bible, not just the sign that you are a believer. People do need to see the Bible; the cross, they can see it everywhere, but the Living Word, they don’t see. It must be made known that you have the Bible as your guide, not all the entertainment as your guide. The Bible is the Living Word; living means alive, so treat the Word as alive, not just as a book. Some Christians don’t do that, some even use their feet to push their Bible aside. Humans think of living as eating and drinking, but the Bible is a Living Word that lives in human hearts; is a human dead or alive? As long as humans exist on earth, the Bible will always be the Living Word. Even on the Judgment Day, we have the Lord Jesus Himself alive in His human body; the Living Word still exists in Him, and He will be forever, which explains why the Word is a Living Word.
Part 2: (Mark 4:22-23). (For verse 22 see also Comments Matthew 10:26). “For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be manifested.” For this portion of Scripture, we have two meaningful understandings.
Understanding 1. “Nothing hidden.” This refers to the Word of the Lord. The Word of the Lord cannot be hidden. Also, the Word of the Lord cannot be changed. Humans tend to change the Word to fit themselves; that is blasphemy, you cannot change the Word to fit the way humans are living. Whatever the Word says, you teach or do not interfere. If you teach and change the Word, you are the one who blasphemes, not those who do the wrong things, but the one who teaches. The Word of the Lord cannot be hidden, and the light of the world cannot be hidden. The light will shine out; you cannot put it under a cover; the light will explode out.
Understanding 2. “Nothing hidden.” This refers to the Word as the shield. If you use the Word to shield your soul, the dark cannot snatch you, but when you ignore the Word, you have opened the door for the dark to come in, and the Lord won’t fight for you, because you are the one who opened the door. That is why a lot of Christians are sinning because they think they are under the shield of protection. They go and sin, knowing that they sin against God, but for those sins, the Lord will not protect them because they sinned knowingly. When you have the Living Word, instead of using it, you put it away, and this comes in the same way as hidden; the Word cannot be hidden, use the Word.
“Neither was anything made hidden, but that it should come to light.” Now this part of the verse refers to the Lord: only the Lord is the light, and you cannot make secret where the light is. When someone talks about the Lord, they can’t interpret in their own way; when they interpret in their own way, they try to cover the work of the Lord. Always, only the Holy Spirit can interpret the true meaning of the Word of God. No person can claim that they got the knowledge of the Word of God by themselves, and nobody else can get it..
This parable in Mark 4:21-22 has similarities with other parables spoken by the Lord Jesus that are given in Matthew 5:15-16, Matthew 10:26, and Luke 8:16-17, but as given in Mark 4:21-23, it stands on its own.
Parable Analysis Mark 4:21-23 Part 1: (Mark 4:21). “The lamp.” The lamp gives light; the Bible is the lamp for all humans in the world. If you don’t come to the light, you are in darkness; come and read the Living Word of God.
“Under the bushel, or under the bed,” means that the pride of men covers above the knowledge that the Lord has given to humans. This is because when one reads the Bible, they make their own understanding and claim that as what God means, but they did not ask God for the meaning. Humans do not like to admit that their knowledge does not come from themselves but has been given by God. Humans want to be proud that they know all things, but forget to acknowledge the One who gives them that knowledge from the beginning, meaning from when they are born. And they go to human school and think they are smart, but they forget who gave them the intelligence. This is like going and hiding under the bushel. You cannot hide about the One who gives you that knowledge; always glorify the One who gives you that knowledge. The world criticizing you should not make you hide and not admit who the real One is who gives you that knowledge.
“And not that it might be put on the lampstand?” (Lamp put on a lampstand). This verse itself clearly tells all believers that if you call yourself a believer, when people see you, they should see you follow the Bible’s teachings. In the Christian households you visit, have you seen the Bible in their house? The Bible is not to be hidden; if in your home you can’t show people that you have the Bible as a guide, will you do so outside? In your own home, as the verse tells us, don’t hide the Bible but put it on a stand, so people will notice that you have the Bible, not just the sign that you are a believer. People do need to see the Bible; the cross, they can see it everywhere, but the Living Word, they don’t see. It must be made known that you have the Bible as your guide, not all the entertainment as your guide. The Bible is the Living Word; living means alive, so treat the Word as alive, not just as a book. Some Christians don’t do that, some even use their feet to push their Bible aside. Humans think of living as eating and drinking, but the Bible is a Living Word that lives in human hearts; is a human dead or alive? As long as humans exist on earth, the Bible will always be the Living Word. Even on the Judgment Day, we have the Lord Jesus Himself alive in His human body; the Living Word still exists in Him, and He will be forever, which explains why the Word is a Living Word.
Part 2: (Mark 4:22-23). (For verse 22 see also Comments Matthew 10:26). “For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be manifested.” For this portion of Scripture, we have two meaningful understandings.
Understanding 1. “Nothing hidden.” This refers to the Word of the Lord. The Word of the Lord cannot be hidden. Also, the Word of the Lord cannot be changed. Humans tend to change the Word to fit themselves; that is blasphemy, you cannot change the Word to fit the way humans are living. Whatever the Word says, you teach or do not interfere. If you teach and change the Word, you are the one who blasphemes, not those who do the wrong things, but the one who teaches. The Word of the Lord cannot be hidden, and the light of the world cannot be hidden. The light will shine out; you cannot put it under a cover; the light will explode out.
Understanding 2. “Nothing hidden.” This refers to the Word as the shield. If you use the Word to shield your soul, the dark cannot snatch you, but when you ignore the Word, you have opened the door for the dark to come in, and the Lord won’t fight for you, because you are the one who opened the door. That is why a lot of Christians are sinning because they think they are under the shield of protection. They go and sin, knowing that they sin against God, but for those sins, the Lord will not protect them because they sinned knowingly. When you have the Living Word, instead of using it, you put it away, and this comes in the same way as hidden; the Word cannot be hidden, use the Word.
“Neither was anything made hidden, but that it should come to light.” Now this part of the verse refers to the Lord: only the Lord is the light, and you cannot make secret where the light is. When someone talks about the Lord, they can’t interpret in their own way; when they interpret in their own way, they try to cover the work of the Lord. Always, only the Holy Spirit can interpret the true meaning of the Word of God. No person can claim that they got the knowledge of the Word of God by themselves, and nobody else can get it..
[24]
And He said to them, Take heed what you hear; with what measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be added to you.
[25]
For who has, to him will be given; and who has not, from him even that which he has will be taken away.
Comments Mark 4:24-25
See also Matthew 7:2, Comments Matthew 13:12, and Comments Luke 6:38.
This parable in Mark 4:24-25 has similarities with other parables spoken by the Lord Jesus that are given in Matthew and Luke, but as given in Mark 4:24-25, it stands on its own.
Parable Analysis Mark 4:24-25 Part 1: (Mark 4:24). “Take heed what you hear.” This is a warning when you listen to things about the Bible, not only from preachers but also from persons claiming to have high knowledge of the Bible, related to its original text languages. Only a few people know the Bible’s original text languages. Watch out, they come with proof of trying to change things in the Bible. That is why you must use your inner eyes as well as the Lord speaks directly to your heart; use the feeling as well, not just knowledge. Compare what will come out from these people and what you have inside your heart from the Lord, and you will know the difference between them. You, as a person, listening to who is telling you things, watch out for the purpose of telling. If you are seeing someone telling you things, listen with your spiritual eyes (which refers to a gift the Lord gives), not just your ears. The spiritual eyes see things that the ear needs to know; they will support each other. Remember, we talked about changing the true Bible translation in our comments (see Comments Matthew 24:4-5.
“With what measure you measure, it will be measured to you.” This measure is talking about the fake bible translation that will come out. If we believe it is fake, we must be able to support our words with the true Bible. However, if you cannot find support, better be quiet; that is the measure to use, the true Bible, and that must be used. When we use the true Bible to measure the fake bible, the Lord will use the true Bible to measure our heart’s deeds as well; that is the measure used, the same one. “And more will be added to you.” Now, it is talking about the understanding. When you notice the fake bible and can support that idea, that it is fake, with the true Bible, the understanding to do it will be given more to you if you notice that. If you do not notice the fake bible, the Lord will not give you the understanding of how to use the true Bible to fight against the fake one. If the Lord will not give you how to use the true Bible and how to fight against the fake one, you will not be able to point out and tell what is not true. The Lord will give the knowledge to fight against the fake bible only to the select ones.
Part 2: (Mark 4:25). Verses 24 and 25 link together with believing in the Bible. If people believe in the Word of God, this verse will come out alive and bring true understanding, and to what you have more will be added. But for those who did not understand, and find a human way and believe what they understand is right, what they had in the beginning to think of will be taken away. Specifically, if you base your theories on human ways rather than on God, they don’t last. When people come up with a new theory, it quickly becomes obsolete. This verse tells many things; when people read this verse, they should think about what the Bible is telling them. Don’t read the Bible just to kill time. Every word in the Bible needs to be kept in prayer to get an understanding, even simple sentences: nothing the Lord gives will be simple until it no longer needs the Lord’s help for understanding. That is why the Bible is called the Living Word. Verse 25 is put here to support and tell us to make sure we meditate and pray to the Lord for understanding of verse 24.
This parable in Mark 4:24-25 has similarities with other parables spoken by the Lord Jesus that are given in Matthew and Luke, but as given in Mark 4:24-25, it stands on its own.
Parable Analysis Mark 4:24-25 Part 1: (Mark 4:24). “Take heed what you hear.” This is a warning when you listen to things about the Bible, not only from preachers but also from persons claiming to have high knowledge of the Bible, related to its original text languages. Only a few people know the Bible’s original text languages. Watch out, they come with proof of trying to change things in the Bible. That is why you must use your inner eyes as well as the Lord speaks directly to your heart; use the feeling as well, not just knowledge. Compare what will come out from these people and what you have inside your heart from the Lord, and you will know the difference between them. You, as a person, listening to who is telling you things, watch out for the purpose of telling. If you are seeing someone telling you things, listen with your spiritual eyes (which refers to a gift the Lord gives), not just your ears. The spiritual eyes see things that the ear needs to know; they will support each other. Remember, we talked about changing the true Bible translation in our comments (see Comments Matthew 24:4-5.
“With what measure you measure, it will be measured to you.” This measure is talking about the fake bible translation that will come out. If we believe it is fake, we must be able to support our words with the true Bible. However, if you cannot find support, better be quiet; that is the measure to use, the true Bible, and that must be used. When we use the true Bible to measure the fake bible, the Lord will use the true Bible to measure our heart’s deeds as well; that is the measure used, the same one. “And more will be added to you.” Now, it is talking about the understanding. When you notice the fake bible and can support that idea, that it is fake, with the true Bible, the understanding to do it will be given more to you if you notice that. If you do not notice the fake bible, the Lord will not give you the understanding of how to use the true Bible to fight against the fake one. If the Lord will not give you how to use the true Bible and how to fight against the fake one, you will not be able to point out and tell what is not true. The Lord will give the knowledge to fight against the fake bible only to the select ones.
Part 2: (Mark 4:25). Verses 24 and 25 link together with believing in the Bible. If people believe in the Word of God, this verse will come out alive and bring true understanding, and to what you have more will be added. But for those who did not understand, and find a human way and believe what they understand is right, what they had in the beginning to think of will be taken away. Specifically, if you base your theories on human ways rather than on God, they don’t last. When people come up with a new theory, it quickly becomes obsolete. This verse tells many things; when people read this verse, they should think about what the Bible is telling them. Don’t read the Bible just to kill time. Every word in the Bible needs to be kept in prayer to get an understanding, even simple sentences: nothing the Lord gives will be simple until it no longer needs the Lord’s help for understanding. That is why the Bible is called the Living Word. Verse 25 is put here to support and tell us to make sure we meditate and pray to the Lord for understanding of verse 24.
[27]
and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow; he knows not how.
[28]
The earth bears fruit of itself; first a blade, then an ear, then full grain in the ear.
[29]
Then when the fruit is ripe, straightaway, he puts out the sickle, for the harvest has come.
Comments Mark 4:26-29
See also Comments Matthew 13:24-30.
This parable in Mark 4:26-29 has similarities with another parable spoken by the Lord Jesus, given in Matthew 13:24-30, but, as given in Mark 4:26-29, it stands on its own.
Parable Analysis Mark 4:26-29 Part 1: (Mark 4:26). Q: What does it mean when the Lord says, “Thus is the kingdom of God,” and He gives a parable? A: Because the kingdom of God cannot be explained in human words (no language on earth can describe the meaning of the kingdom of God), the Lord Jesus gives parables to describe the true meaning of the kingdom; that is why there are many parables, because of the limitation of language. One parable describes it in a human way, and another will help; all parables will help each other so that humans can understand.
“As a man should throw seed upon the ground.” Here, the kingdom of God is compared with the action of a man throwing seed upon the ground.
“A man” here refers to the servants of the Lord, including the prophets as well, and also including those special ones the Lord has called for a certain job.
“Seed” refers to the Word of God.
“Upon the ground” relates to a specific area where the servant gets the order on where to go.
This verse shows that the Lord Jesus throws the seed upon the ground through His servants; that is, the Word of the Lord in the Bible itself, which the Lord gives to the earth. Everywhere on the earth, people have the Bible, but not everyone uses the Word. In the past, they did not have the Bible, but still had the mouth to talk. In the Bible, many places say, “Teach your children to know the deeds of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Psalms 78:4-7, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4). We all have the duty to teach our children about the Lord. Teach them the value of the Bible so that all the children know its meaning and purpose. If we teach them the important way to respect the Word, the Word itself will grow its roots in them. However, if the children treat the Bible just as a storybook, the root of faith will not grow deep. They will have some root, but not deep in the heart. That is true in the spiritual world as well. When they go into the spiritual world, if the root of faith is not deep, they don’t understand it as well; it is important to teach them the Bible.
Part 2: (Mark 4:27). “And should sleep and rise night and day … he knows not how.” The servant, after he does the job, does not stay to watch out how the job turns out to be; he departs and goes somewhere else. The job that the servant does has no one’s guidance; the words spring out by themselves from the sowing of the servant’s job. The servant does not know how the job turns out to be, where it grows, and where it doesn’t. It is the Lord’s duty to make the work grow. After the servant sows the seed, the people have the Bible to guide them, but not the servant to stay around to provide guidance. The guidance is in the Bible, which is why it tells you to meditate on the Word of God.
Part 3: (Mark 4:28). ““The earth bears fruit of itself.” In this portion itself, it means that the persons that the servant has sown, because they did not stay lying down, but started to use what has been sown in them, will produce the fruit of faith. The faith of the persons will grow as the persons meditate upon what has been given.
“First a blade”: this happens after faith has grown, and they start to produce by going out and telling what they understand about the Word of God.
“Then an ear”: now is a time of waiting until the faith is fully grown to fill the ear.
“Then full grain in the ear”: now it is the result of what comes after being fully grown: a good ear or a withered ear. This result is upon feeding from the inner meditation on the Word of God to feed the ear. In a person, faith has a difficult time growing because of so many things around, and the lack of meditation makes the ear not grow well. Meditation on the Word of God is important for the ear to be fully grown.
Part 4: (Mark 4:29). “Then when the fruit is ripe.” In this portion itself, remember one thing: who is the one who planned the way of how it should be, when the fruit has grown to be ready? The fruit is the gift of the Holy Spirit; everybody has it, but a different gift. When the fruit is ripe, the person who received the gift learns and accepts and knows that it is not by themselves they have it, but because of the mercy of the Lord, they have that gift.
“Straightaway, he puts out the sickle.” He, in this portion, refers to the person who receives. Pay attention to the words “puts out.” When the Lord has given you something, take it and treasure it; the gift is not meant to be treated as unimportant. Some gifts may be some small things, but even if they are small, they are not small in the eyes of the Lord; only human eyes think that they are small. Small little gifts the Lord gives, but they always have a purpose: to use them for glorifying the Lord; not for making themselves important, but to give importance to the Lord is the purpose of those gifts. Some think that they deserve the gift; not that they deserve it, but that, by the mercy of the Lord, they have received that gift. Don’t be proud of yourself; the Lord gives, but the Lord can also take away the gift. Therefore, be thankful and use the gift in the way the Lord intends for you to use that gift.
“Because the harvest has come.” The harvest in this place refers to the time when the person who receives the gift understands the purpose of that gift. They not only understand but are willing to use it according to the Lord’s will, not their own will; watch out, many misuse the gifts, watch out! [To remember the person who gives, because this is talking about the gift; the common man cannot give you the gift; the servant of the Lord brings the gift and gives it.]
This parable in Mark 4:26-29 has similarities with another parable spoken by the Lord Jesus, given in Matthew 13:24-30, but, as given in Mark 4:26-29, it stands on its own.
Parable Analysis Mark 4:26-29 Part 1: (Mark 4:26). Q: What does it mean when the Lord says, “Thus is the kingdom of God,” and He gives a parable? A: Because the kingdom of God cannot be explained in human words (no language on earth can describe the meaning of the kingdom of God), the Lord Jesus gives parables to describe the true meaning of the kingdom; that is why there are many parables, because of the limitation of language. One parable describes it in a human way, and another will help; all parables will help each other so that humans can understand.
“As a man should throw seed upon the ground.” Here, the kingdom of God is compared with the action of a man throwing seed upon the ground.
“A man” here refers to the servants of the Lord, including the prophets as well, and also including those special ones the Lord has called for a certain job.
“Seed” refers to the Word of God.
“Upon the ground” relates to a specific area where the servant gets the order on where to go.
This verse shows that the Lord Jesus throws the seed upon the ground through His servants; that is, the Word of the Lord in the Bible itself, which the Lord gives to the earth. Everywhere on the earth, people have the Bible, but not everyone uses the Word. In the past, they did not have the Bible, but still had the mouth to talk. In the Bible, many places say, “Teach your children to know the deeds of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Psalms 78:4-7, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4). We all have the duty to teach our children about the Lord. Teach them the value of the Bible so that all the children know its meaning and purpose. If we teach them the important way to respect the Word, the Word itself will grow its roots in them. However, if the children treat the Bible just as a storybook, the root of faith will not grow deep. They will have some root, but not deep in the heart. That is true in the spiritual world as well. When they go into the spiritual world, if the root of faith is not deep, they don’t understand it as well; it is important to teach them the Bible.
Part 2: (Mark 4:27). “And should sleep and rise night and day … he knows not how.” The servant, after he does the job, does not stay to watch out how the job turns out to be; he departs and goes somewhere else. The job that the servant does has no one’s guidance; the words spring out by themselves from the sowing of the servant’s job. The servant does not know how the job turns out to be, where it grows, and where it doesn’t. It is the Lord’s duty to make the work grow. After the servant sows the seed, the people have the Bible to guide them, but not the servant to stay around to provide guidance. The guidance is in the Bible, which is why it tells you to meditate on the Word of God.
Part 3: (Mark 4:28). ““The earth bears fruit of itself.” In this portion itself, it means that the persons that the servant has sown, because they did not stay lying down, but started to use what has been sown in them, will produce the fruit of faith. The faith of the persons will grow as the persons meditate upon what has been given.
“First a blade”: this happens after faith has grown, and they start to produce by going out and telling what they understand about the Word of God.
“Then an ear”: now is a time of waiting until the faith is fully grown to fill the ear.
“Then full grain in the ear”: now it is the result of what comes after being fully grown: a good ear or a withered ear. This result is upon feeding from the inner meditation on the Word of God to feed the ear. In a person, faith has a difficult time growing because of so many things around, and the lack of meditation makes the ear not grow well. Meditation on the Word of God is important for the ear to be fully grown.
Part 4: (Mark 4:29). “Then when the fruit is ripe.” In this portion itself, remember one thing: who is the one who planned the way of how it should be, when the fruit has grown to be ready? The fruit is the gift of the Holy Spirit; everybody has it, but a different gift. When the fruit is ripe, the person who received the gift learns and accepts and knows that it is not by themselves they have it, but because of the mercy of the Lord, they have that gift.
“Straightaway, he puts out the sickle.” He, in this portion, refers to the person who receives. Pay attention to the words “puts out.” When the Lord has given you something, take it and treasure it; the gift is not meant to be treated as unimportant. Some gifts may be some small things, but even if they are small, they are not small in the eyes of the Lord; only human eyes think that they are small. Small little gifts the Lord gives, but they always have a purpose: to use them for glorifying the Lord; not for making themselves important, but to give importance to the Lord is the purpose of those gifts. Some think that they deserve the gift; not that they deserve it, but that, by the mercy of the Lord, they have received that gift. Don’t be proud of yourself; the Lord gives, but the Lord can also take away the gift. Therefore, be thankful and use the gift in the way the Lord intends for you to use that gift.
“Because the harvest has come.” The harvest in this place refers to the time when the person who receives the gift understands the purpose of that gift. They not only understand but are willing to use it according to the Lord’s will, not their own will; watch out, many misuse the gifts, watch out! [To remember the person who gives, because this is talking about the gift; the common man cannot give you the gift; the servant of the Lord brings the gift and gives it.]
[30]
And He said, How shall we liken the kingdom of God ? Or in what parable shall we set it into view?
[31]
As to a grain of mustard, which, when it has been sown upon the ground, is smallest of all the seeds which are upon the earth,
[32]
and when it has been sown, it grows up, and becomes greater than all the garden plants, and makes great branches, so that the birds of the heaven are able to perch under the shadow of it.
Comments Mark 4:30-32
See also Comments Matthew 13:31-32 and Comments Luke 13:18-19.
This parable in Mark 4:31-32 is the same as the parables given in Matthew 13:31-32 and Luke 13:18-19, but it is spoken at a different time and to a different group of people.
Parable Analysis Mark 4:31-32 Part 1: (Mark 4:30-31). The kingdom of God is “as to a grain of mustard, which, when it has been sown upon the ground ...” In this verse itself, there is also a meaning linked to the spiritual world. The mustard seed, when it is sown down, is small; think of one seed, how many seeds will that seed make? The same is true of the Holy Word of God: a small book, and many people can read and meditate on the Word of God, and faith will never stop growing in every person who reads and meditates.
“… is smallest of all the seeds which are upon the earth.” All need to learn, when reading the Bible, to meditate on the Word and not use worldly things to compare with spiritual things; they walk in parallel with each other. Here, for example, do not think about the fact that the mustard seed may not be the smallest seed ever. Within the whole earth, what seed will the Lord use that can multiply fast? In this place itself, the meaning of the parable relates to growing the plant; the mustard plant is easy to grow, fast and efficient, spreading like wildfire. It is the same with the Bible: give one Bible to one country of the earth and see that the Word of God will spread as wildfire through that country, affecting every soul.
Part 2: (Mark 4:32). “… and becomes greater than all the garden plants … under the shadow of it.” Look at the words “garden plants.” Garden plants here refer to many faiths on earth. They are all plants on earth, but the mustard plant that the Lord has picked for the parable grows bigger than them, making branches that even the birds of the air come to get the benefit of. The other garden plants are small and tiny; the birds of the air can’t make nests, which is why the Lord picked out the mustard plant for this parable. For us as Christians, be likewise. Look at the mustard plant; from a small seed, it grows and has branches so the birds can nest. All believers should think of that and spread out their hands. Whoever comes and asks for help, do not deny it if you can help; but if you can’t, the Lord will provide another way.
“The birds of the heaven” here refers to all human beings.
“Can lodge under the shadow thereof.” When the people who are under the Lord’s protection spread out their hands to help someone, the Lord will also stretch out His hand and go along with that help.
This parable in Mark 4:31-32 is the same as the parables given in Matthew 13:31-32 and Luke 13:18-19, but it is spoken at a different time and to a different group of people.
Parable Analysis Mark 4:31-32 Part 1: (Mark 4:30-31). The kingdom of God is “as to a grain of mustard, which, when it has been sown upon the ground ...” In this verse itself, there is also a meaning linked to the spiritual world. The mustard seed, when it is sown down, is small; think of one seed, how many seeds will that seed make? The same is true of the Holy Word of God: a small book, and many people can read and meditate on the Word of God, and faith will never stop growing in every person who reads and meditates.
“… is smallest of all the seeds which are upon the earth.” All need to learn, when reading the Bible, to meditate on the Word and not use worldly things to compare with spiritual things; they walk in parallel with each other. Here, for example, do not think about the fact that the mustard seed may not be the smallest seed ever. Within the whole earth, what seed will the Lord use that can multiply fast? In this place itself, the meaning of the parable relates to growing the plant; the mustard plant is easy to grow, fast and efficient, spreading like wildfire. It is the same with the Bible: give one Bible to one country of the earth and see that the Word of God will spread as wildfire through that country, affecting every soul.
Part 2: (Mark 4:32). “… and becomes greater than all the garden plants … under the shadow of it.” Look at the words “garden plants.” Garden plants here refer to many faiths on earth. They are all plants on earth, but the mustard plant that the Lord has picked for the parable grows bigger than them, making branches that even the birds of the air come to get the benefit of. The other garden plants are small and tiny; the birds of the air can’t make nests, which is why the Lord picked out the mustard plant for this parable. For us as Christians, be likewise. Look at the mustard plant; from a small seed, it grows and has branches so the birds can nest. All believers should think of that and spread out their hands. Whoever comes and asks for help, do not deny it if you can help; but if you can’t, the Lord will provide another way.
“The birds of the heaven” here refers to all human beings.
“Can lodge under the shadow thereof.” When the people who are under the Lord’s protection spread out their hands to help someone, the Lord will also stretch out His hand and go along with that help.
[33]
And with many such parables He spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear;
[34]
and without a parable He did not speak to them; but privately to His own disciples He explained all things.
Comments Mark 4:33-34
Q: Why did the Lord Jesus explain the parables to His disciples privately and didn’t explain them to the people? A: The verse says, “as they were able to hear,” but not everyone’s ear is open to hear. Thousands and thousands of people around, but how many in the thousands were able to hear and understand? Many come with the ear that is closed, as the Bible says in many places, “You have ears but do not hear” (Jeremiah 5:21, Matthew 13:14-15). People took the voice of the Lord as a wind passing by the ear, with no meaning; however, for His disciples, not just the ear was opened, but the heart of the soul was opened. In many places in the Bible, it says, “Who has ears, let them hear.”
[35]
And on that day, evening having come, He says to them, Let us pass over to the other side.
[36]
And having dismissed the multitude, they take Him with them, even as He was, in the boat. And other boats were with Him .
[37]
And comes a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat is now filling.
[38]
And He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they awaken Him , and say to Him , Teacher , is it not a concern to Thee that we perish?
[39]
And He awoke, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
[40]
And He said to them, Why are you fearful? Have you not yet faith?
[41]
And they were terrified with great fear, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him ?
Comments Mark 4:35-41
See also Comments Matthew 8:23-27 and Comments Luke 8:22-25.
The events described in Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27, and Luke 8:22-25 are the same, but presented in different ways. By combining the words from all three Gospels, we can get a more complete picture of the storm situation and what the Lord Jesus did on that day. The presentation of the event in these three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) is seen through different eyes, yet all present the same event. Pay attention to the way each Gospel addresses the Lord. The way to address the Lord makes the presentation different, not only in this Bible paragraph but characteristic throughout the entire Gospel.
Q: What does it mean to have “the same event seen through different eyes” in the light of the Bible being dictated by the Holy Spirit? A: Even though the Holy Spirit dictated the Gospels, the Holy Spirit always gives the Gospels to be as well according to the faith of the person who writes. Each disciple’s faith, when writing the Gospel under the control of the Holy Spirit, is always different. No disciple has the same faith; each disciple’s faith is in a different way, which is why the presentation comes out differently. The Holy Spirit is always looking to make the best out of each disciple. The Holy Spirit will give according to each disciple’s faith. If the Holy Spirit gives the same to each writer, the Bible study will not be needed. Everything has a purpose, one Holy Spirit, but not the same humans. The Holy Spirit dictated: the Bible is dictated word by word, but the point of using dictation in each Gospel is different. Each Gospel book (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) touches people’s hearts in different ways. The same story, different ways of telling in each Gospel, will touch people in different ways; that is why the Bible becomes the Living Word, an alive book that touches everyone. The one who has a chance to read the Bible, if the heart is not open, will never understand what they are reading.
Q: What is the Holy Spirit’s dictation of the Bible? A: The dictation from the Holy Spirit works directly into the person’s understanding; then that understanding will tell someone else, which will go to work in the heart, not as the Holy Spirit works in the understanding. For example, a person gets a word from the Holy Spirit through the gift of speaking in tongues, which comes directly into the understanding of that person; the person speaks the tongues out loud, and another person or the same person will get the understanding of that speaking in tongues in the heart and mind through the Holy Spirit living inside that person.
Q: What is the difference between Holy Spirit dictated and Holy Spirit inspired?
Dictated: The Holy Spirit works straight to give the understanding: the Holy Spirit speaks directly (passing through) to the soul and spirit of the writer, and then from the soul and spirit, the understanding goes to the heart and from the heart into the mind. When “Holy Spirit dictated,” the writer will have only one understanding to write down. The dictation from the Holy Spirit works directly to the writer’s understanding, giving the words to write down. Then that understanding (the words written down), when meditated on by someone else, that meditation will guide the heart by the Holy Spirit to understand.
Inspired: The Holy Spirit gives the understanding to convince the heart of the person, so that it becomes understanding in this way, which is different than when the Holy Spirit dictated. “Inspired” is understanding in the heart and from the heart to the mind. The meditation on the Word provides understanding; in this case, there is no direct communication between the Holy Spirit and the writer’s soul and spirit. For example, the Holy Spirit that dwells inside a person’s heart will stir that person’s heart to think something, and this stirring will produce understanding in the mind and language – the difference is that in this way, the understanding can be influenced to some degree by the person’s feelings or other things in the person’s mind; this plays as the free will of the person – the Holy Spirit speaking into the heart doesn’t have a direct path into the mind and it can be influenced and give different meaning in the person’s mind.
In the case of “Holy Spirit dictation,” the Holy Spirit is the giver and the receiver at the same moment; the understanding goes straight to the mind, bypassing the soul of the person. In the case of “Holy Spirit inspired,” the Holy Spirit is the giver, and the soul of the believer is the receiver; the understanding does not bypass the soul of the person.
Q: How does the Holy Spirit dwell inside a believer? A: Both the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of the Lord Jesus dwell in each believer, but there is still only one Holy Spirit. Also, we should think about how big the Holy Spirit is to cover the whole earth! We are all in Him, and He is in us as well. However, in both ways there is the same identity of the Holy Spirit, but a different part of the Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of a believer; both are the same and have the same mind and work. Think of the Holy Spirit as One, and everything is in Him, and He is in all things at the same time. We could think of the seed and a gift from the Holy Spirit as being planted inside a believer’s heart at the moment the believer accepts and invites the Lord Jesus into their heart. Both the Holy Spirit and the soul reside in the heart of a believer, in the same place, overlapped but in different dimensions. We could think of the heavenly dimension and the earthly dimension walking in parallel through the heart of a believer. The soul is part of the earthly dimension. When the Lord gives the soul to a person, that soul becomes part of the earthly dimension. The body, the soul, and the spirit of a person coexist together as a unit; that is how the Lord built us. The breath of the Lord is complete, and He has both soul and spirit when He gave life to Adam (see Genesis 2:7).
Comparison analysis: Part 1: (Mark 4:35-36, Matthew 8:23, Luke 8:22). “And on that day, evening having come” refers to the Sabbath day; specifically, the evening of the Sabbath, after the Sabbath day ended, when they could resume their daily activities.
“Even as He was.” This means that the Lord Jesus had been with people all day long, without eating or resting, tired as He was, and they took Him as He was, hungry and tired.
“And other boats were with Him.” This refers to other people who followed the Lord Jesus as He sailed away; many people would follow Him everywhere He would go. The main idea in all three Gospels for this part is that the Lord Jesus and His disciples got into a boat to cross to the other side of the sea, and the Lord Jesus was tired.
Part 2: (Mark 4:37-38, Matthew 8:24-25, Luke 8:23-24). The main idea in this part is that the Father created the storm, the Lord Jesus was asleep, and the disciples were afraid and went together to awaken the Lord. The situation described in Mark is that the Father created this great windstorm with waves breaking into the boat; the Lord Jesus was tired and sleeping on a cushion in the stern; and the disciples were all frightened and went to awaken the Lord. The main difference between the Gospels in this part is the way the disciples address the Lord Jesus when they go together to awaken Him. In Mark, they call out to Him “Teacher”; in Matthew, they call out to Him “Save us Lord”; and in Luke, they call out to Him “Master, Master.”
Q: Why do we have three different ways the disciples called out to the Lord Jesus? A: Keep in mind that the disciples were all common men and were frightened by the storm, and all rushed to look for the Lord Jesus to awaken Him. Each one called out to the Lord with a loud voice in their own way, and that is why each Gospel gives a different dialogue, reflecting the many ways the disciples called to the Lord, each according to their own heart. At that time, they had addressed the Lord with what was in their hearts. First, let us define each name. Some called the Lord Jesus “Teacher”: in this term, the person places the Lord Jesus above them and accepts that they themselves are below the Teacher. To be a disciple of the Lord Jesus, you must accept His teachings. This is the heart of a disciple: to accept that they are below, and also accept the Lord Jesus’ teachings. Some called the Lord Jesus “Lord”: when a person calls out “Lord,” that person has already accepted being a servant of the Lord Jesus; only the servant will call out “Lord” right away. Some called the Lord Jesus “Master”: the person who called the Lord Jesus “Master” has pronounced the Lord Jesus above all and them below. And they have also shown they are willing to receive orders from the Master; here, you can use the term “listen and obey” when you call “Master.”
To call the Lord Jesus God, you see the different ways; a group of people does not have the same words. In each Gospel, pay attention: some will always call the Lord Jesus Teacher, some will come by and call the Lord Jesus Master, and some will always glorify the Lord Jesus and call Him Lord. Now, there is a difference in calling the Lord Jesus, but no difference, since there is only one Lord; each name, however, has a different meaning. Think of yourself as well, what name would you call the Lord Jesus? Think on that. The disciples come together to the Lord Jesus to awaken Him, and each addresses Him in a different way: one calls Him Teacher, one Master, and the other Lord. Each Gospel gives one account showing who the Lord Jesus was for His own disciples.
Part 3: (Mark 4:39, Matthew 8:26, Luke 8:24). Each Gospel gives a snapshot of the discussion between the Lord Jesus and His disciples. In each situation, the Lord teaches His disciples; all the time, the Lord will teach His disciples as a Teacher and Master: teaching and ordering. The main point of this part is that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God, and He has power over nature by His words, and peace is in His words. In Mark, we are given the words the Lord Jesus used to calm the storm: “Peace, be still.” In the same context, concentrate on these words: peace for the whole earth and nature. When you find that peace, you will be still and waiting for the Lord’s guidance. The Lord speaks in the peace of your heart; you can feel it more clearly if you are still. But, not just remember the words; practice as well. You never gain benefit from knowing the Word of God if you don’t practice. In this place, the Lord Jesus says, “Peace be still.” The Lord will not say things lightly without meaning; here is the place to show it. To have peace in you, come to the Word of God, and you will find that peace. Not the peace of the mind alone, but the peace of the soul; you will feel deep peace. You will know the difference of that peace: not the peace in the head but the peace of the soul. Everybody has the chance to feel the peace of the soul, but you should pay attention and think about the difference you feel. The Lord Jesus speaks “peace” to nature, and nature obeys, but men do not obey. In this place, it shows all humans that nature suddenly obeys when the words come out of the mouth of the Lord Jesus. The peace is in His words; nature can find it and obey, so men can find it by obeying His Word.
Part 4: (Mark 4:40, Matthew 8:26, Luke 8:25). Q: In each Gospel, the words of the Lord are slightly different, but the meaning is the same. Why is there a difference in the words? A: Each Gospel is slightly different because it has a reason to be. Each Gospel gives a different angle for the inner soul to see. People who read and come to the Lord, the Lord has mercy on all. The humans after the disciples will read each Gospel and benefit in different ways; even slight differences in the Gospel itself make a big difference for each individual who reads it. There is a purpose to be different in each Gospel; ask yourself which one is for you that touches you first, and if you ask someone else, the point of touch won’t be the same.
Q: When a Gospel quotes the words of the Lord Jesus, why are there differences in each Gospel? A: These are partial quotes, meaning that the Holy Spirit dictated the words the Lord Jesus spoke to each writer in a different way. There were long conversations, but the Holy Spirit divided the parts for each Gospel so that all Gospels would complement each other. But also, the conversations were more than what is given in all three Gospels combined; some conversations are not shared.
“Why are you fearful? Have you not yet faith?” This saying is not a rebuke, but this is the way to make their faith grow. By confronting them, each individual’s heart will search for the answer. The Lord Jesus wants to help and lift up their faith. They may think they have faith, but can they use it when the situation arises? This confrontation will work in each disciple to use their faith to fight in the future; they all need this.
Part 5: (Mark 4:41, Matthew 8:27, Luke 8:25). In this part, we observe slight differences in the accounts of the Gospels regarding the disciples’ words, but we should focus on the main point in all of them. Look at it another way as well, this miracle also proves to the disciples and makes them come to accept who the Lord Jesus is for them: just a human or the Lord. This miracle is a turning point for them and raises the question in them: Can He be just a human? This is important for them; they will always think as they follow Him. From now on, always in their heads, He is not just a human, He is the Lord of all. And, all who believe in Him should see as the disciples have come to see in that time who He is. Even nature obeys Him; so, can He be just a human? That is what all humans should think about?
The events described in Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27, and Luke 8:22-25 are the same, but presented in different ways. By combining the words from all three Gospels, we can get a more complete picture of the storm situation and what the Lord Jesus did on that day. The presentation of the event in these three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) is seen through different eyes, yet all present the same event. Pay attention to the way each Gospel addresses the Lord. The way to address the Lord makes the presentation different, not only in this Bible paragraph but characteristic throughout the entire Gospel.
Q: What does it mean to have “the same event seen through different eyes” in the light of the Bible being dictated by the Holy Spirit? A: Even though the Holy Spirit dictated the Gospels, the Holy Spirit always gives the Gospels to be as well according to the faith of the person who writes. Each disciple’s faith, when writing the Gospel under the control of the Holy Spirit, is always different. No disciple has the same faith; each disciple’s faith is in a different way, which is why the presentation comes out differently. The Holy Spirit is always looking to make the best out of each disciple. The Holy Spirit will give according to each disciple’s faith. If the Holy Spirit gives the same to each writer, the Bible study will not be needed. Everything has a purpose, one Holy Spirit, but not the same humans. The Holy Spirit dictated: the Bible is dictated word by word, but the point of using dictation in each Gospel is different. Each Gospel book (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) touches people’s hearts in different ways. The same story, different ways of telling in each Gospel, will touch people in different ways; that is why the Bible becomes the Living Word, an alive book that touches everyone. The one who has a chance to read the Bible, if the heart is not open, will never understand what they are reading.
Q: What is the Holy Spirit’s dictation of the Bible? A: The dictation from the Holy Spirit works directly into the person’s understanding; then that understanding will tell someone else, which will go to work in the heart, not as the Holy Spirit works in the understanding. For example, a person gets a word from the Holy Spirit through the gift of speaking in tongues, which comes directly into the understanding of that person; the person speaks the tongues out loud, and another person or the same person will get the understanding of that speaking in tongues in the heart and mind through the Holy Spirit living inside that person.
Q: What is the difference between Holy Spirit dictated and Holy Spirit inspired?
Dictated: The Holy Spirit works straight to give the understanding: the Holy Spirit speaks directly (passing through) to the soul and spirit of the writer, and then from the soul and spirit, the understanding goes to the heart and from the heart into the mind. When “Holy Spirit dictated,” the writer will have only one understanding to write down. The dictation from the Holy Spirit works directly to the writer’s understanding, giving the words to write down. Then that understanding (the words written down), when meditated on by someone else, that meditation will guide the heart by the Holy Spirit to understand.
Inspired: The Holy Spirit gives the understanding to convince the heart of the person, so that it becomes understanding in this way, which is different than when the Holy Spirit dictated. “Inspired” is understanding in the heart and from the heart to the mind. The meditation on the Word provides understanding; in this case, there is no direct communication between the Holy Spirit and the writer’s soul and spirit. For example, the Holy Spirit that dwells inside a person’s heart will stir that person’s heart to think something, and this stirring will produce understanding in the mind and language – the difference is that in this way, the understanding can be influenced to some degree by the person’s feelings or other things in the person’s mind; this plays as the free will of the person – the Holy Spirit speaking into the heart doesn’t have a direct path into the mind and it can be influenced and give different meaning in the person’s mind.
In the case of “Holy Spirit dictation,” the Holy Spirit is the giver and the receiver at the same moment; the understanding goes straight to the mind, bypassing the soul of the person. In the case of “Holy Spirit inspired,” the Holy Spirit is the giver, and the soul of the believer is the receiver; the understanding does not bypass the soul of the person.
Q: How does the Holy Spirit dwell inside a believer? A: Both the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of the Lord Jesus dwell in each believer, but there is still only one Holy Spirit. Also, we should think about how big the Holy Spirit is to cover the whole earth! We are all in Him, and He is in us as well. However, in both ways there is the same identity of the Holy Spirit, but a different part of the Holy Spirit dwells in the heart of a believer; both are the same and have the same mind and work. Think of the Holy Spirit as One, and everything is in Him, and He is in all things at the same time. We could think of the seed and a gift from the Holy Spirit as being planted inside a believer’s heart at the moment the believer accepts and invites the Lord Jesus into their heart. Both the Holy Spirit and the soul reside in the heart of a believer, in the same place, overlapped but in different dimensions. We could think of the heavenly dimension and the earthly dimension walking in parallel through the heart of a believer. The soul is part of the earthly dimension. When the Lord gives the soul to a person, that soul becomes part of the earthly dimension. The body, the soul, and the spirit of a person coexist together as a unit; that is how the Lord built us. The breath of the Lord is complete, and He has both soul and spirit when He gave life to Adam (see Genesis 2:7).
Comparison analysis: Part 1: (Mark 4:35-36, Matthew 8:23, Luke 8:22). “And on that day, evening having come” refers to the Sabbath day; specifically, the evening of the Sabbath, after the Sabbath day ended, when they could resume their daily activities.
“Even as He was.” This means that the Lord Jesus had been with people all day long, without eating or resting, tired as He was, and they took Him as He was, hungry and tired.
“And other boats were with Him.” This refers to other people who followed the Lord Jesus as He sailed away; many people would follow Him everywhere He would go. The main idea in all three Gospels for this part is that the Lord Jesus and His disciples got into a boat to cross to the other side of the sea, and the Lord Jesus was tired.
Part 2: (Mark 4:37-38, Matthew 8:24-25, Luke 8:23-24). The main idea in this part is that the Father created the storm, the Lord Jesus was asleep, and the disciples were afraid and went together to awaken the Lord. The situation described in Mark is that the Father created this great windstorm with waves breaking into the boat; the Lord Jesus was tired and sleeping on a cushion in the stern; and the disciples were all frightened and went to awaken the Lord. The main difference between the Gospels in this part is the way the disciples address the Lord Jesus when they go together to awaken Him. In Mark, they call out to Him “Teacher”; in Matthew, they call out to Him “Save us Lord”; and in Luke, they call out to Him “Master, Master.”
Q: Why do we have three different ways the disciples called out to the Lord Jesus? A: Keep in mind that the disciples were all common men and were frightened by the storm, and all rushed to look for the Lord Jesus to awaken Him. Each one called out to the Lord with a loud voice in their own way, and that is why each Gospel gives a different dialogue, reflecting the many ways the disciples called to the Lord, each according to their own heart. At that time, they had addressed the Lord with what was in their hearts. First, let us define each name. Some called the Lord Jesus “Teacher”: in this term, the person places the Lord Jesus above them and accepts that they themselves are below the Teacher. To be a disciple of the Lord Jesus, you must accept His teachings. This is the heart of a disciple: to accept that they are below, and also accept the Lord Jesus’ teachings. Some called the Lord Jesus “Lord”: when a person calls out “Lord,” that person has already accepted being a servant of the Lord Jesus; only the servant will call out “Lord” right away. Some called the Lord Jesus “Master”: the person who called the Lord Jesus “Master” has pronounced the Lord Jesus above all and them below. And they have also shown they are willing to receive orders from the Master; here, you can use the term “listen and obey” when you call “Master.”
To call the Lord Jesus God, you see the different ways; a group of people does not have the same words. In each Gospel, pay attention: some will always call the Lord Jesus Teacher, some will come by and call the Lord Jesus Master, and some will always glorify the Lord Jesus and call Him Lord. Now, there is a difference in calling the Lord Jesus, but no difference, since there is only one Lord; each name, however, has a different meaning. Think of yourself as well, what name would you call the Lord Jesus? Think on that. The disciples come together to the Lord Jesus to awaken Him, and each addresses Him in a different way: one calls Him Teacher, one Master, and the other Lord. Each Gospel gives one account showing who the Lord Jesus was for His own disciples.
Part 3: (Mark 4:39, Matthew 8:26, Luke 8:24). Each Gospel gives a snapshot of the discussion between the Lord Jesus and His disciples. In each situation, the Lord teaches His disciples; all the time, the Lord will teach His disciples as a Teacher and Master: teaching and ordering. The main point of this part is that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God, and He has power over nature by His words, and peace is in His words. In Mark, we are given the words the Lord Jesus used to calm the storm: “Peace, be still.” In the same context, concentrate on these words: peace for the whole earth and nature. When you find that peace, you will be still and waiting for the Lord’s guidance. The Lord speaks in the peace of your heart; you can feel it more clearly if you are still. But, not just remember the words; practice as well. You never gain benefit from knowing the Word of God if you don’t practice. In this place, the Lord Jesus says, “Peace be still.” The Lord will not say things lightly without meaning; here is the place to show it. To have peace in you, come to the Word of God, and you will find that peace. Not the peace of the mind alone, but the peace of the soul; you will feel deep peace. You will know the difference of that peace: not the peace in the head but the peace of the soul. Everybody has the chance to feel the peace of the soul, but you should pay attention and think about the difference you feel. The Lord Jesus speaks “peace” to nature, and nature obeys, but men do not obey. In this place, it shows all humans that nature suddenly obeys when the words come out of the mouth of the Lord Jesus. The peace is in His words; nature can find it and obey, so men can find it by obeying His Word.
Part 4: (Mark 4:40, Matthew 8:26, Luke 8:25). Q: In each Gospel, the words of the Lord are slightly different, but the meaning is the same. Why is there a difference in the words? A: Each Gospel is slightly different because it has a reason to be. Each Gospel gives a different angle for the inner soul to see. People who read and come to the Lord, the Lord has mercy on all. The humans after the disciples will read each Gospel and benefit in different ways; even slight differences in the Gospel itself make a big difference for each individual who reads it. There is a purpose to be different in each Gospel; ask yourself which one is for you that touches you first, and if you ask someone else, the point of touch won’t be the same.
Q: When a Gospel quotes the words of the Lord Jesus, why are there differences in each Gospel? A: These are partial quotes, meaning that the Holy Spirit dictated the words the Lord Jesus spoke to each writer in a different way. There were long conversations, but the Holy Spirit divided the parts for each Gospel so that all Gospels would complement each other. But also, the conversations were more than what is given in all three Gospels combined; some conversations are not shared.
“Why are you fearful? Have you not yet faith?” This saying is not a rebuke, but this is the way to make their faith grow. By confronting them, each individual’s heart will search for the answer. The Lord Jesus wants to help and lift up their faith. They may think they have faith, but can they use it when the situation arises? This confrontation will work in each disciple to use their faith to fight in the future; they all need this.
Part 5: (Mark 4:41, Matthew 8:27, Luke 8:25). In this part, we observe slight differences in the accounts of the Gospels regarding the disciples’ words, but we should focus on the main point in all of them. Look at it another way as well, this miracle also proves to the disciples and makes them come to accept who the Lord Jesus is for them: just a human or the Lord. This miracle is a turning point for them and raises the question in them: Can He be just a human? This is important for them; they will always think as they follow Him. From now on, always in their heads, He is not just a human, He is the Lord of all. And, all who believe in Him should see as the disciples have come to see in that time who He is. Even nature obeys Him; so, can He be just a human? That is what all humans should think about?
Life and Faith Applications. 1) Your heart is the ground for the Word of God; come with an open and clean heart to the Word of God so you will understand the Word. 2) Show that you are a Christian and do not be ashamed to display your Bible and talk about the Word of God with others. 3) If you use the Word of God to shield your soul, the dark cannot snatch you, but when you ignore the Word, you have opened the door for the dark to come in. 4) Ask the Holy Spirit in the name of the Lord Jesus to guide you in understanding the true Bible. 5) As a Christian, spread out your hands to help someone if you can; the Lord will also stretch out His hand and go along with that help. 6) When someone comes to the Lord, the Lord will always give a gift that you can use for serving; treasure it; the gift is not for being treated as unimportant; some gifts may be small things, but they are not small in the eyes of the Lord, and you are called to use them. 7) Peace is in God’s Word, and nature can find it and obey it, so people can find it by obeying His Word.