Matthew 4
Mark 4 is a chapter where teachings centered on Jesus’ parables, their explanations, and events that display His power are woven together seamlessly. The first part of this chapter (verses 1–34) features a continuous sequence of various parables, including the parable of the sower, the parable of the lamp, the parable of the growing seed, and the parable of the mustard seed. After that (verses 35–41), it culminates in a miracle in which Jesus calms the storm. In terms of structure, parables and their explanations, along with a demonstration of divine power, are interwoven.
1verseThen Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
2verseWhen he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.
3verseThe tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4verseBut he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of God’s mouth.’”
5verseThen the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple,
6verseand said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’”
7verseJesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
8verseAgain, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
9verseHe said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”
10verseThen Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”
11verseThen the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.
12verseNow when Jesus heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee.
13verseLeaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
14versethat it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying,
15verse“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
16versethe people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.”
17verseFrom that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
18verseWalking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
19verseHe said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men.”
20verseThey immediately left their nets and followed him.
21verseGoing on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.
22verseThey immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.
23verseJesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
24verseThe report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them.
25verseGreat multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.
Parable of the Sower (Verses 1–20)
The parable of the sower is a parable Jesus first told to a large crowd, addressing how God’s word is received in the hearts of different people. After the parable, Jesus explains the meaning of the parable to the disciples in private in detail (verses 13–20). The key point here is that each different setting—the path, rocky ground, thorny ground, and good soil—symbolizes the condition of the heart in which people receive the word. A life that bears fruit means growing as you listen to, receive, and endure the word.
The Kingdom of God Seen Through Various Parables (Verses 21–34)
The parable of the lamp (verses 21–25) shows the truth of living that what is hidden will be revealed. The parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed (verses 26–34) symbolically reveal the mystery of the kingdom of God—its characteristic of starting small yet having great influence. These parables emphasize that God’s kingdom grows beyond human effort and understanding.
Calming the Storm (Verses 35–41)
While Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee by boat, a great storm arises. The disciples are overcome with fear, but Jesus calms the wind and the waves. This event simultaneously shows both Jesus’ divine authority and the importance of the disciples’ faith.
Meditation Points
- What kind of field (heart) is my heart most like?
- How are God’s words (seeds) being planted into my life and growing?
- Do I believe that the growth and influence of the kingdom of God may sometimes begin very small, but will ultimately be accomplished greatly?
- In fear or confusion, am I trusting in the Lord’s power and peace?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- When listening to the word, you can make the resolve to become a living believer who opens the heart, listens deeply, and puts it into action.
- Even if it’s a small beginning, you can examine your faith posture of trusting God and entrusting it to Him.
- In the storms of life, you can also apply how it is possible to look to Jesus instead of fear and experience peace.
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