v1-2: Teaching in parables, and by the sea; there was perhaps a different type of listener to those in the synagogue; certainly a different type to the religious aristocracy in Jerusalem. These verses set the scene for v3-34, where the Lord taught four parables.

v3-9: The parable of the sower is explained in v13-20. He began with "listen!", and we are wise to listen to His words. The parable uses everyday incidents and language. It was a means of communicating to ordinary people. One can even imagine the Lord taking a handful of seed, and throwing it, as a farmer would. The parable describes four types of ground, which indicate four responses and attitudes in our hearts.

v4: Seed falling by the wayside; didn't get right in. The seed fell on ground adjacent to the field, which had not been ploughed, and therefore not ready to receive seed. The seed was quickly devoured by birds. We can be near blessing, but still miss out on blessing.

v5-6: Some seed fell on stony ground; it didn't get right down. The shallow ground speaks of little understanding, although there was rapid initial growth. The persecution, like the sun, is common to all who profess to know Christ. This is not a reference to unusually hard persecution.

v7: Some seed fell among thorns; it didn't get right up. Here was more depth, but there was competition, which choked the seed. This is perhaps indicative of those who profess conversion to Christ, but never really grow.

The difference between the first three types of ground, and the good ground is preparation; there was ploughing, removing of stones and weedlings. Only then can the word become fruitful. Jer 4.3-4 and Hos 10.12 refer to our personal responsibility to have prepared hearts. Scripture commends a broken and contrite spirit, Ps 34.18; 51.17.

Worldliness (seed choked) prevents fruitfulness, but persecution only prevents fruitfulness when there is no root (seed on stony ground). Persecution can lead to more fruit in a godly life; James 1.2-4; Rom 5.3-5.

v8: Seed on good ground yields fruit. In different ground the yield can vary.

v9-12: Our responsibility is to hear and to obey. Parables are used to reveal truth to the spiritual (1 Cor 2.12), and conceal truth from the unspiritual (1 Cor 2.14). The challenge is for understanding (v13).

The parables do not explain the gospel, but they are designed to teach specific truths; the parable of the sower teaches listening; the lamp teaches understanding; the growing seed teaches growing; the mustard seed teaches progress and influence. Even in these four parables there is a progression of teaching.

v13-20: The Lord's clear explanation of the parable. The seed is the word, the ground is human hearts. The different responses are explained (see v3-9 above). The challenge came to "the others around Him" (v10); those who know the truth of "the kingdom of God" are expected to be fruitful.

v21-22: Light under a basket. This parable, like some others, brings some humour; one can think of the folly of putting a lamp under a basket, so that no light is seen! The light reveals things in our lives, and also reveals spiritual truths to us. The "secret" (v10) is made known to those in Christ.

v23-25: Again, the responsibility lies with the hearer, and how he or she will respond to the message. Although a teacher or preacher has a responsibility to make the message clear, that is not the burden here.

As we hear, we receive more. We must consider carefully what we hear, weighing it up, testing by Scripture, and understanding given by the Holy Spirit.

v26-29: The parable of the growing seed refers to the imperceptible growth of the seed (John 3.8). The seed grows to the stalk, the ear, and the harvest, "all by itself". This simple truth is observed by all arable farmers. The seed grows in likeness to itself, reproducing itself. 1 Cor 3.6-7; although man sows and waters, God gives the increase, bringing growth and strength and fruit. The result is more fruit. Elsewhere the Lord refers to the necessity of pruning (John 15), but here the basic truth is taught.

v30-32: The mustard seed was the smallest of all seeds, but grows into something large. (This is quite different from the mustard plants seen in western countries.) The potential of the word of God (the seed, v14-15) is vast; Ezek 17.22-24. The picture here is developed, as the birds come; their intention is to damage the fruit, and to seek shelter; so unbelievers benefit from the word, through the lives of Christians; but they bring in problems and make life hard for true Christians.

v33-34: Jesus used more parables than those recorded. He explained the meaning to those who belonged to Him.

v35: The period to 8.26 describes Jesus' main ministry, over a period of many months. The pattern already set was continued, as He travelled throughout Galilee and beyond. In particular, He performed the signs of the Messiah.

Mark also notes the reactions of different people, even those closest to Him; they were terrified (v41); they were afraid (5.15); they were completely astonished (5.42); they took offence at Him (6.3); they were terrified (6.50); they were completely amazed (6.51); people were overwhelmed with amazement (7.37).

Mark describes the end of a busy day; but Jesus instructed His disciples to cross the lake. Across the lake, in Gadara (or Genneserat), they met the demon-possessed man. They returned from there in 5.21. Later Jesus went back, 6.53-56.

v36: "As He was", Jesus was asleep (as in v38); "they took Him", an indication that He was physically exhausted.

v37: The followers of Jesus were never immune from trials and problems. Clearly God had permitted the storm, so that Jesus' power could be demonstrated, and the disciples' faith be tested.

v38: This storm was unusually bad; there were four hardened fishermen, well used to the storms of Galilee; but they feared for their lives. Jesus was with them, experiencing what they experienced.

v39: Jesus is the Lord of Creation; He addressed the wind and the rain; His word brought immediate and total obedience.

There was a great calm; next He brought peace into the life of the demon-possessed man; He brings peace into our lives too, by the Holy Spirit (John 14.27). We enjoy peace in our lives because we have peace with God (Rom 5.1); we can endure tribulation because of God's peace. The Lord promised peace and tribulation to His disciples (John 16.33).

v40: The lesson for the disciples was about faith; the same lesson was repeated twice more in the boat; 6.45-52; 8.14-21. Faith sees the power of Jesus as greater than any storm in our lives.

v41: The disciples had learned something about the power and authority of Jesus; this was no ordinary itinerant preacher.