Reading for December 22nd

Read Mark 4.1-34 (Mt 13; Lk 8.4-18; 13.18-21) Teaching in parables.
In verses 4-5 the description if 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 (see sidebar on p. 60).
In verses 21-22 Jesus' now-hidden identity will be disclosed.
In verse 25 reversal of status is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching (Mt 7.2; 13.12; Lk 6.38).
In verses 26-27 the enigmatic parables present a kingdom growing slowly but inexorably.
In verse 29 harvest connotes the final judgment (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.
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