September 1

Introduction

Mark 4:1–9: Today we begin reading excerpts from Mark’s Gospel, an account that focuses on Jesus as a man of authority, especially as seen through his teachings and parables. Parables were stories and word pictures that Jesus used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson relating to the Kingdom of God. In today’s reading, Jesus begins telling the crowd the Parable of the Sower, a story of an individual sowing seed.

Today’s Key Verse: Mark 4:8a

“Some seeds fell in good soil, and the plants sprouted, grew, and bore grain.”

Reflect

According to verse 2, Jesus used parables to teach the people many things. In the Parable of the Sower, why is the sower scattering seeds? In what places do the seeds fall? Where do the seeds bear grain? What happens to the seeds that fall in other places? What do you think Jesus is seeking to convey through this parable?

Pray

Lord Jesus, open my mind and my heart to receive your teachings. Plant your word in my heart so that all I do and say this day is in accord with your will. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Mark 4:10–20: Jesus explains the Parable of the Sower.