Sign in
MARK 4:30 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
Mark 4:29Mark 4:31
“And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?”
Again he said, what shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? — the question is rhetorical and pedagogical: Jesus is modeling the process of finding the right parable for the kingdom rather than simply announcing it. What parable shall we use — the we is inclusive, inviting the disciples into the process of kingdom-description. The inadequacy of any single parable for the kingdom is implicit in the need for multiple parables: no single image contains the whole reality. Each parable illuminates one facet of the kingdom's nature; the full picture requires the whole collection.

Church Fathers on Mark 4:30

Most brief indeed is the word of faith; Believe in God, and thou shalt be saved. But the preaching of it has been spread far and wide over the earth, and increased so, that the birds of heaven, that is, contemplative men, sublime in understanding and knowledge, dwell under it. For how many wise men among the Gentiles, quitting their wisdom, have found rest in the preaching of the Gospel! Its preaching then is greater than all.

Theophylact · 11th century

Or else, that seed is very small in fear, but great when it has grown into charity, which is greater than all herbs: for 'God is love,' [1 John 4:16] whilst 'all flesh is grass.' [Isa 40:6] But the boughs which it puts forth are those of mercy and compassion, since under its shade the poor of Christ, who are meant by the living creatures of the heavens, delight to dwell.

Pseudo-Jerome · 5th century

Again, the man who sows is by many taken to mean the Saviour Himself, by others, man himself sowing in his own heart.

Bede · 8th century
Read all 6 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!
Mark 4:30 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy