Mark 4:31

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-32

The parable of the mustard seed. This parable stands related to the former. That pointed to the history of the growth of the seed; this points to the inherent vitality of the seed. That laid the emphasis on the field; this lays it on the seed. The simile is so exact that we are in danger of transferring a needful canon in the interpretation of parables, and to treat it as a realism. The parable illustrates the history of the kingdom of heaven in its outward manifestation , especially... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-34

The power of ideas. I. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS THE KINGDOM OF IDEAS . All forms of the true, holy, and good are included in this kingdom. Life would be intolerable, amidst the greatest physical comfort, without ideas. Our spirit is born to love and live among them. Novelty of ideas is the condition of change for the better in every life-department. II. IDEAS ARE SELF - MULTIPLYING . Start a beautiful pattern in trade; it gives birth to a whole creation of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 4:30-34

Parallel passage: Matthew 13:31 , Matthew 13:32 .— The mustard seed. I. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED AND THE LEAVEN . The latter parable refers rather to the growth of grace in the heart, the former to the extension of the Church in the world; the latter to the assimilating power of Divine grace in the human heart, the former to progressive development and final establishment of the Church on earth. II. THE SMALLNESS OF THE ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 4:31-32

See the notes at Matthew 13:31-32. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Mark 4:30-34

Mark 4:30-34. Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God, &c. See notes on Matthew 13:31-32. He spake the word unto them as they were able to hear it Adapting it to the capacity of his hearers, and speaking as plainly as he could without offending them. A rule never to be forgotten by those who instruct others. But without a parable, &c. See note on Matthew 13:34-35. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Mark 4:30-34

55. Wheat and weeds; mustard seed; yeast (Matthew 13:24-43; Mark 4:30-34; Luke 13:18-21)In another parable, two types of seed produce two types of plants in the same field. The plants, wheat and weeds, are not separated while they are growing, but are left till harvest time. Then the wheat is put into the farmer’s barn but the weeds are destroyed (Matthew 13:24-30).As with the parable of the sower, Jesus gave his disciples an interpretation (Matthew 13:34-36; cf. v. 10,16-18). In the present... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Mark 4:31

in upon. Greek. epi. App-104 . that be in the earth. Divine supplement here. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Mark 4:1-34

2. Jesus’ teaching in parables 4:1-34This is the first of three extended teaching sessions that Mark recorded (cf. Mark 7:1-23; Mark 13:3-37). Jesus’ three parables in this section describe the character of the messianic kingdom.Parables are illustrations that teach truth by comparisons (Gr. parabole, lit. "something thrown alongside," similitudes). Some are long stories, but others are short similes, metaphors, analogies, or proverbial sayings (cf. Mark 2:19-22; Mark 3:24-25; Mark 3:27). The... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Mark 4:20-34

B. The increasing rejection of Jesus and its result 3:20-4:34As Jesus’ ministry expanded, so did rejection of Him as God’s anointed servant. Mark documented the increasing rejection that Jesus experienced (Mark 3:20-35) and then explained that Jesus taught the multitudes in parables as a result (Mark 4:1-34). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Mark 4:30-32

The parable of the mustard seed 4:30-32 (cf. Matthew 13:31-32; Luke 13:18-19)The third and last parable that Mark recorded Jesus giving to the multitudes stressed the contrast between the kingdom’s insignificant beginnings and its final impressively large size. When Jesus came declaring that the kingdom of heaven was at hand, He began preparations for the inauguration of the kingdom. He planted the seed. That beginning was a very inauspicious one. Even though Jesus had a popular following, He... read more

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