READING 8

  1. Read the headings in Mark 4:21-41.

  2. Highlight verses 23, 25, and 41 of chapter 4.

  3. Read Mark 4:21-41.

  4. Consider the following questions.

In 4:25, who are "those who have" to whom more will be given?  Who are "those who have nothing" from whom even what they have will be taken away?  Does this saying sound very 'Christian' to you?


How are the parable of the sower in 4:3-20, the parable of the growing seed in 4:26-29, and the parable of the mustard seed in 4:30-32 related?


What is the point of the parable of the mustard seed in 4:30-32?

  • As you sow, so shall you reap.

  • Give a weed a foot, and it will take up a yard.

  • Great things can come in small packages

  • If you don't want birds in your garden, don't plant mustard.


Imagine you were in the boat with Jesus when he calmed the wind and the sea. (4:35-41) What would be your response to what happened?

  • Good thing Jesus was along, or I could have been killed!

  • Thank God for Jesus!  (or Thank Jesus for Jesus!)

  • I can't believe Jesus was able to sleep during that storm.

  • Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

How would you compare your life to the storm in the story?

  • smooth sailing--life's is cruising along

  • rough water--feeling a little seasick

  • storm on the horizon--trouble ahead

  • middle of the storm--holding on for dear life

  • storm past--getting things shipshape again