Mark 4:1-2 - Homilies By A.f. Muir

The nature-preaching of Christ.

I. CIRCUMSTANCES OCCASIONING IT . The order of Matthew and Mark preferable and explanatory. Various considerations led him to adopt this method of teaching.

1 . A reasonable prudence. His enemies were busy, and scarcely suffered a single opportunity to pass without spying or planning means by which to destroy him. Out of doors he would be able to keep the crowd at a greater remove, and so hostile listeners would be under better observation.

2 . Sympathy for those who were "without. " In the small country cottages, where for the most part he resided, there was no accommodation for the numbers that thronged to his ministry. Stifling heat and inconvenient jostling would ill accord with the dignity of his message. Multitudes were unable to hear or see him, and he had compassion on their souls. A different class of people, too, might be reached by this new method.

3 . Th e charm of nature. There are abundant evidences of Christ's poetic and artistic sense of nature. He would be drawn forth from the heat and squalor of the small cottage to the spaciousness, grandeur, and ever-varying phenomena of the outside world. It was his own world. He was present when "the morning stars sang together" at its birth, "and without him was not anything made that was made."

II. ADVANTAGES OF THIS MODE OF TEACHING .

1 . It linked the ideas of the spiritual world with the real world of every-day experience.

2 . By its associating the common life of men with the Divine and eternal , the former was refined and elevated. The many were thus addressed, and a certain general benefit received by them.

3 . The inner meaning of such teaching could only be discerned by the spiritual and devout , and thus his safety was secured. His enemies were baffled and kept in ignorance.

4 . This teaching was attractive to all.

III. WHAT IT SUGGESTED AS TO THE SPHERE AND FUNCTION OF THE " KINGDOM OF GOD ."

1 . That it was coextensive with the universe.

2 . That the heavenly element is to penetrate and include the earthly element in God 's world.

3 . That the senses , if rightly used , are aids to the spirit.— M.

Mark 4:3-9 ; 18-23

The parable of the sower.

The kingdom of God as—

I. A PRINCIPLE OF LIFE . Outwardly insignificant; exposed to the uncertainties of human agency and the vicissitudes of circumstance; yet embodying vital force, and capable under suitable conditions of producing its kind. Ever commencing anew, in germ and vital unit. A result as well as a cause, even as the seed is a fruit in the first instance. Requiring everything external of itself that is necessary to its being deposited in the minds of men to be done for it; yet containing an independent, original power of its own, viz. reproduction.

II. A PROCESS OF GROWTH . Dependent upon :

1 . Manner of its reception ;

2 . Character of the hearer , i.e. whether deep or shallow, thorough or otherwise, like the soil;

3 . Place which it holds in human regard—whether considered as the chief or only as a subordinate interest in life;

4 . Time ,—this in all cases.

III. A CONDITION OF FRUITFULNESS . The soul, just like the ground, if left alone, will be barren or overgrown with weeds. It must be tilled, sown, and tended. Sometimes these duties are divided, sometimes combined, but all are necessary.

1 . All true believers are not alike fruitful. This is analogous to material and mental culture.

2 . It is enough if each brings forth according to capacity and ability.

3 . all cases there is compensating power of increase in the Word , beyond the natural qualities and powers of the believer , although a certain relation is always observed to the proportion of faith and diligence. The blessing of God is especially manifest in the fruits of the Word.—M.

Mark 4:3-9 ; 18-23

The parable of the sower.

As illustrating the purpose of God in his Word.

I. TRUTH IS MEANT FOR ALL MEN .

II. TRUTH IS OFFERED TO ALL ,

III. IT IS RECEIVED BY MANY DIFFERENT SORTS OF PEOPLE , AND IN DIFFERENT WAYS .

IV. IT IS FRUITFUL ONLY WITH A FEW .—M.

Mark 4:3-9 ; 18-23

The parable of the sower.

As exhibiting the kingdom of God—

I. IN ITS BEGINNINGS .

II. ITS PROCESSES .

III. ITS RESULTS ,—M.