Marcos 4:1

Jesus took his message to the seashore and the open sky and delivered the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-9), explained it (Mark 4:10-20), and gave a number of sentence sermons (Mark 4:21-25). He then gave the parable of the seed growing secretly (Mark 4:26-29), and that of the mustard seed (Mark 4:30-34). The chapter is concluded by the narrative of his calming the great storm (Mark 4:35-41).

And again he began to teach by the sea side and there is gathered unto him a very great multitude, so that he entered into a boat, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude were by the sea on the land. (Mark 4:1)

Jesus' innovative method of making a boat the pulpit in an auditorium of land and sea must have been regarded by many of the religious class as sensationalism and stunting; but, as Barclay said, "It would be well if his church was equally wise and equally adventurous."[1]

A very great multitude ... is literally "a greatest multitude,"[2] stressing the superlative size of the immense throng which attended the preaching of the Master.

[1] William Barclay, The Gospel of Mark (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1956). p. 81.

[2] W. N. Clarke, Commentary on the Gospel of Mark (Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: The Judson Press), Vol. II, p. 57.