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                         "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                             Chapter Four

From a boat facing a great multitude on the shore of the Sea of Galilee
Jesus taught many parables, such as the parable of The Soils (1-9).  
Privately, Jesus explained why He taught in parables (10-12), and then 
revealed the meaning of the parable of The Soils (13-20).  Mark goes on
to record several other parables:  The Lamp (21-25), The Growing Seed 
(26-29), and The Mustard Seed (30-32). Jesus cautioned the masses to give
heed to the parables, but only in private did He tell His disciple what
they meant (9,23-25,33-34).  At evening, as they crossed the Sea of 
Galilee, Jesus calmed the stormy winds and waves, much to the amazement
of His disciples (35-41). 

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  The purpose and primary theme of the parables of Jesus

   *  The importance of listening when given opportunity to hear the Word

   *  The inverse relationship between fear and faith

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The parable of The Soils - Mk 4:1-20
   - The parables of The Lamp, The Growing Seed, The Mustard Seed - Mk
     4:21-34
   - The calming of the winds and waves on the Sea of Galilee - Mk 4:35-41

2) What was the first parable of Jesus recorded by Mark? (3-9)
   - The parable of The Soils (also known as the parable of The Sower)

3) What exhortation did Jesus give after telling the parable? Why? (9,
   23-25)
   - "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
   - One would be judged by how he listened; giving heed would grant more
     opportunity

4) Why did Jesus speak in parables? (10-12, cf. Mt 13:11-16)
   - Because many who heard Jesus were not really interested in truth 

5) To whom did Jesus explain the parables?  Where?  (10,33-34)
   - To the twelve; in private

6) What was the main theme of the parables? (11, cf. Mt 13:11)
   - The mysteries of the kingdom of God

7) What miracle did Jesus perform in this chapter? (35-39)
   - He calmed the wind and waves on the Sea of Galilee

8) To what did Jesus attribute the disciples' fear of the storm? (40)
   - Their lack of faith

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