Gospel lesson for the week

Mark 4:26-34

Jesus frequently uses parables to teach ordinary people as they are able to hear and understand. Images of sowing and growing show the vitality of God's kingdom.

²⁶Jesus also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, ²⁷and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. ²⁸The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. ²⁹But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come." ³⁰He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? ³¹It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; ³²yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." ³³With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; ³⁴he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

Gospel Reflection Questions 
 to share and discuss

1. How do you experience God’s “kingdom” in your daily life?
   
   
2. Who have been the “seed scatter-ers” in/for your life, those who have help plant “seeds” for your spiritual growth? Say a prayer for each of them.
   
   
3. In what ways does this parable relate to you?
   
   

Prayer

Dear God, help us, when we feel our faith is as small as a tiny mustard seed, to know you still love us and care for us.  Help us to grow in faith and love in and through all of the experiences in our lives.  In Jesus’ name we thank you and pray.    Amen.

This is Mt. Olive’s weekly online Bible Study for youth, adults and families. Each week we will reflect on the coming weekend’s Gospel text covered at our upcoming worship services. This is your opportunity to read the text, reflect on the questions, share and discuss with friends and family, and share a prayer.

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illustration by Julie Lonneman exclusively for Augsburg Fortress.