This coming Sunday is the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time. One notable feature of this Markan chapter occurs early in the chapter when Jesus begins the parable with “Hear this! A sower went out to sow…” (v.3) and then closes the teaching with “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” (v.9)  While ending a parable with a plea to discern is typical of the presentation of many parables, the doublet that bookends the first parable of Mark 4 is highly unusual when compared to the traditional Jewish presentation of the masahal/parable. There is interesting scholarly debate on the reason for this doublet, but one possible answer is that parables reveal those who are merely curious at this wonder-worker from the ones who are led by the Spirit to seek the Kingdom. In addition, when the authorities are “watching” it does provide a degree of uncertainty about the message being taught.

These reasons also offer some insight to the Parable of Lamp, suggesting that the listener will need to reflect on Jesus’ words and action to fully discern their role in the emerging Kingdom. It should not be a “one-time” reflection but one in which the disciple returns to ponder anew and continually grow in their insight and understanding. The parables are meant to enable his audience to take Jesus’ word to heart more personally and more profoundly so that they can share it fully with others (vv. 22–23). The parable-like saying about getting back “in the measure you give” (v. 24) is interesting, indicating that the listener must continuously grow in their understanding of Jesus for themselves, or they will lose what they think they possess. Yet at the same time the agricultural parables make clear that the growth of the kingdom is not tied to the effort of any one person. The Kingdom of God will grow, but will they understand it when they see it?

These parables are like seeds sown into our lives. They may sprout and grow or they may not. It depends upon the type of soil they land on.

On a linguistic note, the expression he basileia tou theou is usually translated “kingdom of God.” Here in the 21st century it is the translation we are used to and expect. However, the word basileia has two meanings, both equally used: the area ruled by the king or the power/authority to rule as king. In this context we associate “kingdom of heaven” with heaven but I suspect the latter would be a better translation. We should think of basileia as the ruling power that emanates from God which means that to be part of the kingdom we place ourselves under the authority of the king – or in this case, the authority and power of God. It is the latter choice which I think most naturally speaks to our relationship to God which is a major theme of all the Gospels. At this point, we are used to the “kingdom” translation, but it is good to always keep the power/authority meaning close to the heart.

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