The Growing Seed
Last week, we reflected on our focus. We learned through Jesus’ parable of the rich fool that we should store up heavenly treasure as we build God’s kingdom instead of our own. This week’s parable will teach us about an incredible transformation that happens in the life of God’s follower as they live focused on Him.
Jesus’ parable starts with a familiar illustration:
Mark 4:26 | Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground.
Earlier in this same chapter, Jesus taught another parable about seeds: the four soils. That gives us a clue about the context of what is being planted in this parable. We’ll get back to that soon.
After the farmer scatters seed, here’s what happens:
Mark 4:27-28 | Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens.
The farmer can’t see how the growth happens, but sure enough, the planted seed sprouts, grows, and ultimately matures. Once matured, it is ready for use, or harvest:
Mark 4:29 | And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.”
So what is the meaning of Jesus’ parable? Again, the seed is God’s Word and the things of God. As God’s followers exercise the spiritual disciplines, seeds are planted. The Holy Spirit grows the seeds in inexplicable ways. What we do know is that we are transformed— changed to be more like Him.
In the moment, we might not perceive the the work God is doing in us, but it is important to remain faithful on our end. We read His Word, pray, serve, fellowship with other believers, give, fast, take communion, etc. As we do, God renews our minds (Romans 12:2). He faithfully prepares us to be mature and ready for use.
This parable reminds us of a few more important things:
First, spiritual maturity (growing more like Jesus) comes from God.
1st Corinthians 3:7 | It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.
It isn’t the work of a better preacher, a better Bible studier, or a more spiritually gifted follower. God alone grows the the seed— spiritual maturity comes from Him. There is no room for us to boast as we mature in Christ. Quite the opposite— we humbly recognize God’s immense power and grace at work and we give all the glory to Him.
Second, we shouldn’t grow weary while sowing seeds in the lives of others. We may think that sharing the truth again isn’t going to make a difference, but we can’t always perceive the work God is doing in the heart of a person. Keep planting seeds by sharing the Gospel faithfully and trust God to do the rest!
What kinds of things plant seeds in the heart of a person (these are also known as the spiritual disciplines)?
In the parable of the growing seed, what is unknown? How does that relate to what is unknown about the seeds planted in the heart of a person?
Who makes the seed in a person’s heart grow? What does God use it to grow us into?
How can you plant seeds in the life of person who doesn’t know Jesus?