Reading for January 29th

Read Mark 4. 1-25
In 4.1-39 teaching in parables.
In verses 4-5 the description is of broadcast sowing rather than of a wasteful or inept farmer.
Allegorical interpretation makes the seed both the word and the ones who receive it (4.14-20).
In verse 12 adapted from Isa 6.9-10; those outside the new family of faith will not understand parables (see also 4.33).
In verse 13 the disciples frequently do not understand.
In verses 21-22 Jesus' now-hidden identity will be disclosed.
In verse 25 reversal status is a hallmark of Jesus teaching (Mt 7.2; 13.12; Lk 6.38).
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