< Back

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Some people are like the seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. Mark 4:15-16

Read: Mark 4:1-20

Listen: Mark 4

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Can you imagine hearing this parable without Jesus’ explanation? It would be hard to tell what Jesus means. Apparently, his disciples feel this way too. When they’re alone, his disciples have some questions. Although we don’t know the specific questions, Jesus’ response to them suggests that they didn’t understand it either.

Jesus explains the parable to them. In short, the parable teaches why many people hear the same exact message from Jesus yet respond very differently. One big reason people respond so differently has to do with what’s going on inside the heart of the hearer. Pastor Aaron Buer calls it “the human element.” Some people listen and respond, while others ignore or reject his message. As it pertains to spiritual growth—we have a role and God has a role.

As hearers of Jesus, our role is to listen to him and respond. How are we doing in this? It takes work, but our role appears to be important to Jesus. One great way we can listen to Jesus is by using our journals. The journal helps us to study the life of Jesus through daily reading and engagement. The repeated reading and slow study help us not just be fans, but followers of Jesus.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Today is a good day to commit (or recommit) to the Mark reading program. Turn to page 37 in your journal and underline the places. If you missed yesterday, take time to circle the characters too.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.