Reading for January 30th

Read Mark 4.26-41
In verses 26-27 the enigmatic parables present a kingdom growing slowly but in inexorably.
In verse 29 harvest connotes the final judgement (Joel 3.13).
In verse 31 mustard seeds (see Mt 13.31-32; Lk 13.18-19) are tiny, as are mustard bushes; the description of the bush as a shade tree is jarring.
In 4.35-41 stilling the storm.
Controlling nature is a contemporary sign of divine authority; similar tales of sleeping during storms are told of Dionysus.
The disciples fear and doubt anticipate the state of Jesus' followers at the crucifixion.
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