Introduction: 

Read: Mark 4:1-20
For the past several years, I have committed myself to writing out daily devotionals for Holy Week from one of the four Gospels. Each time I cycle through these familiar texts I am reminded of the unique perspectives each of them provide. While dealing with the same source material, they all have their own subtle points to convey. The Gospel of Mark has to be one of my favorites. His brevity does not lack nuance. He brings out details that add so much to ponder. 

I want to invite you to join me in looking at the unfolding events of Jesus' journey to the cross and the empty tomb. Taking the time each day allows us to put ourselves into the story in real time. It gives a sense of place, scale, and gravity as the scenes unfold. 

The Parable of the Soils

In the back of your mind, I want you to hold onto an image of a parable Jesus told in Mark 4:3-9. Here Jesus is describing four unique soils. The seed represents the Word of God: The declaration that Jesus has come to bring God’s kingdom into our world by giving His life as a ransom for many.

This is good news, but it is not received the same by all four soils. The seeds that fell on the path never penetrated the surface. The birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground. Although they sprang up quickly, they had no depth of roots and were scorched by the sun. A third soil was covered in thorns that grew up with the seeds so that they didn’t produce any grain. Only the fourth soil was good and able to bring a yield of thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. 

This parable is layered and complex. It’s meant, as it implies, to be understood by those who receive it like the good soil. Even the disciples, who had spent years following Jesus, failed to comprehend its true meaning until after the events of Holy Week. 

As they were making their way to Jerusalem for that final showdown, the disciples became concerned. Jesus was surrounding Himself with children while turning rich, influential leaders away. These weren’t what they had considered fertile soil. Jesus was investing His time with blind beggars, people who wouldn’t be able to help them in their perceived campaign. Had they made the right decision to sacrifice the last three years of their lives to follow Jesus? Responding to their concerns, Jesus mentioned that those who deny themselves and follow Jesus will receive “a hundredfold.” 

Throughout the days leading up to the cross and the empty tomb, we will see the seed being spread and how the various soils respond. Jesus is teaching His disciples, and us, how to detect when that seed has taken root, and how to differentiate the various soils by whether or not they bear the appropriate fruit. 

May God bless the reading of His Word and the meditations of our hearts this week. 

Your fellow laborer, 

Rev. Adam J. Miller

President and Host of Songtime Ministries