Stroll through Scripture for Sunday January 14, 2024

Based on the reading from Mark 4:1–34

According to the Lutheran Study Bible, “Jesus’ parables or stories use everyday examples, but there is usually some uncommon element that makes each one more than a simple observation. Some parables may make a particular point, and others are like allegories with symbolic meanings. Jesus uses parables to engage listeners and challenge what they believe to be true.” (Pg. 1665).

The Narrative Lectionary turns from the onslaught of continuous action punctuated by “immediately” to a slew of parables and discussion of those parables. But even in this, the parables are related to one another — they all have an agricultural theme. And not just an abstract agricultural theme, but rather specific in nature. The parables are about seeds and planning. There is an exception of course — Jesus talking about a lamp under a bushel basket, but even then, the saying relates with the other agricultural parables. Bushel baskets are designed for harvesting and storing produce. And this is the core of what Jesus is talking about.

There are really two elements to each of these parables — the seeds and what they produce. Jesus is telling the same story in different ways with the hope that people might connect to what is being said. As we are told in the chapter, Jesus explains the parables to his disciples, but not the crowds.

So why parables? Why indirect communication like this? Why not just say plainly what he wants to say? I…