Mark 4;1-25  "And He began to teach again by the sea."  Mark gives us a close-up picture of Jesus.. the Teacher.  Jesus begins to use parables in His messages to the multitudes.. explaining to His disciples and followers that the "mystery of the kingdom of God" was being given to them.. They were the ones who had "ears to hear".  Others would hear but not understand... they would see but not perceive.. they would not repent nor be forgiven. 

The parable of the sower (v3-8) and the explanation in verses 13-20 are foundational.  Jesus said, "Do you not understand this parable?  And how will you understand all the parables?"   Jesus explains that the seed that is sown represents the Word of God.  

Sometimes the Word is spoken but it lands on hard hearts.  They don't care for it and it is snatched away quickly. Satan does not want the Word to take root in man's heart.  If we don't care.. we will never notice. 

Sometimes the Word starts to touch someone's heart.. but it is only temporary.. maybe it makes you feel good.. but it doesn't change your life. Are there too many rocks in your life? Whatever keeps us from going deeper with God is like rocky soil. 

Sometimes the Word has been heard and even embraced.. but things in life are hard.. there is much to worry about.. and that "chokes out" whatever faith may have started to grow. 

But, sometimes.. the Word takes root in our lives.. sometimes it flourishes in our hearts.. and when it does it produces "much fruit". 

This parable shows us the truth.  "If any man has ears to hear, let him hear"  Jesus repeats.  We have a choice.. the Light is not hidden, Jesus says.. but we need to open our eyes.. we need to listen carefully.. we need to seek in order to find. We must be intentional about listening to  God's Word.. "Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it shall be measured to you; and more be given you besides." (v24)

Father in heaven, we pray that Your Word will fill our hearts and minds; that as we seek to hear Your voice we will draw closer to Your Heart. We pray that You would remove the rocks and the thorns.. the things of this world that keep us from going deeper with You.  May Jesus Christ our Teacher..  be our All in all.. leading us in the Truth and filling us with His glorious Light.  Oh Jesus, we thank You for being the Bread of Life.. the Living Word. Fill us today with Your Spirit we pray. Amen.