45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Mark Chapter Four: Peace Be Still and The Grain of a Mustard Seed

ePrayer Circle is serious about its goal: To use internet technologies to encourage people of all nationalities to pray to God, praise God, meditate on scripture, and study the Bible in order to develop a stronger relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for a better life. 

ePrayer Circle offers daily posting of scripture and prayers along with a FREE “45 Days To Read the Gospel Challenge”.  In addition, a FREE 24/7 prayer request service is available for your convenience by phone, or email. You are encouraged to complete the course in your own time. 45 Days is a challenge.

 

 

How to Get the Most Out of The Challenge

The Gospel consists of four books in the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that share the teachings of Jesus Christ. You can start the FREE “45 Day Challenge” at any time by visiting the ePrayer Circle homepage and selecting the “45 Day Challenge” menu option. Feel free to share these lessons and print them for use in your Bible study groups. You can also translate the content into multiple languages using the Google Translate menu bar on the homepage.

These lessons are for personal and non-profit use.  These works have been registered under Creative Common License,  Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivs CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International  Free to use as designed but are not for commercial use or sale.    The “45  Days To Read The Gospel lessons” are available FREE 24/7 for your convenience. 

 

 

 

 

Transcript:  HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS CHALLENGE

Step One.  Start in the order of: the Gospel of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew for understanding.

The instructions are designed for accessibility and ensures the learner is not overwhelmed and confused. Post your questions in the comment section and the author will answer you. Please share your experiences and opinions.

Step Two.  Each lesson takes about 35 minutes to complete: 20 min to study the lesson and take the quiz. 15 minutes to read the Bible resource

It is recommended to read the entire post and then take the quiz before reading or listening to the bible resources. Each lesson is self-contained and includes all resources needed.

Step 3:  You should complete two lessons a day.  5 Days a week in order to complete the “45 Days to Read The Gospel Challenge in 45 days”.

There is no law that says you have to complete these lessons in 45 days. You are free to work at your own pace. Study the lesson and take the quiz in the morning, and later listen to or read the bible resources.

Step 4: Get organize with pen and paper.  Take notes.  Each lesson contains: Header Sections (Table of Contents): (1) chapter summary, (2) objectives, (3) outline, (4) reflection question,  (5) chapter highlights, (6) resources, (7) interactive quiz, and (8) a call to salvation.

Step 5: Enjoy.  The Gospel Changes Lives.  Get active and communicate with others. Share the lessons with friends. No stress. Work at your own pace.

Isaiah 9:6 KJV“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son, is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

 

 

Before Starting this Course: 

 

 

Overview of The Gospel of Mark

The Gospel of Mark, written by Mark John (also known as “John” in the Book of Acts), is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament. Mark was a close companion of the disciple Peter, who referred to him as his spiritual son. Although Mark did not walk with Jesus personally, he closely followed Peter and recorded much of what Peter witnessed during Jesus’ ministry. This Gospel is often called the “Memoirs of Peter” because of Mark’s close relationship with him. It was written between A.D. 50-70, before the Book of Acts, and is thought to have been written in Italy.

Mark’s Gospel focuses heavily on the miracles that Jesus performed throughout His ministry in Galilee, showing Jesus’ power over sickness, demons, and nature. Unlike other Gospels, Mark emphasizes Jesus’ human nature, highlighting His emotions and physical limitations. This portrayal of Jesus helps believers understand that He is familiar with the struggles and challenges of being human and can fully sympathize with our problems and situations.

Mark’s work was an important source for the Gospel of Luke, as Luke borrowed many notes from it. Overall, the Gospel of Mark presents a powerful narrative of Jesus’ ministry, filled with miracles and moments that reveal both His divinity and humanity.

Keywords: sabbath,  The Gospel of Mark, Bible verses, scriptures, ePrayerCircle, 45 Days to Learn the Gospel Challenge, free Bible lessons, eBible study, Mark 1:1, Mark 16:15, Jesus’ miracles, discipleship in Mark, repentance in Mark, John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, wilderness temptation, healing miracles of Jesus, Mark’s Gospel summary, Peter’s memoirs, Christ’s humanity, Galilee ministry, Mark 10:45, kingdom of God, Jesus’ resurrection, Mark 14:36, parables in Mark, Peter and Mark

 

45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Mark Chapter  Four: Peace Be Still and The Grain of a Mustard Seed

 

 

OVERVIEW OF  THE GOSPEL OF MARK CHAPTER FOUR KJV

In this lesson on Mark Chapter 4, we explore the powerful teachings of Jesus through parables. Jesus often used stories, called parables, to teach spiritual truths. In this chapter, we will focus on three key lessons: the Parable of the Sower, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, and Jesus calming the storm.

Through these stories, Jesus explains how the Word of God works in people’s hearts, the growth of God’s Kingdom, and the importance of faith in times of trouble. This course helps you understand the deeper meaning behind these teachings and how they apply to our lives today.

Jesus taught large crowds by the seaside, using parables to explain spiritual lessons. In the Parable of the Sower, He tells the story of a farmer who sows seeds, which fall on different types of ground. Some seeds fall by the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. Only the seeds on good soil grow and bear much fruit.

Later, Jesus explains to His disciples that the seed represents the Word of God. The different types of soil represent how people receive it—some accept it and bear fruit, while others do not understand or hold onto it.

Jesus also compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which starts small but grows into a large plant where birds can find shelter. This shows how God’s Kingdom may begin small but grows into something great.

Finally, Jesus demonstrates His power when He calms a storm. As the disciples panic, Jesus rebukes the wind and waves, bringing peace. He then questions their lack of faith, reminding them of His authority over all creation. Through these teachings, we learn the importance of receiving God’s Word with an open heart, trusting in the growth of His Kingdom, and having faith in Jesus, even in life’s storms.

The parable of the sower of the word. Jesus again taught multitudes by the seaside.  He sat in a boat and taught the people on the land by the seaside.  He told a parable of a sower who went out and sowed seeds. Some fell by the wayside, stony ground, thorns, and others fell on good ground yielding much fruit that increased 4, 30, 60, or 100 times more.  Later, Jesus was alone with the disciples and they asked him about the parable. 

¹¹And he said unto them, unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: ¹²That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. ¹³And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? How then will ye know all parables? ¹⁴The sower soweth the word. 

Note: Jesus prayed for disciples and believers before being crucified.  Salvation is offered to all but there are some that have pledged to Satan and other Gods and will not convert or accept Jesus.

These will not understand the parables.  John 17:9  “ I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are mine.”

Then Jesus told them a candle gives light and is not put under a bed.  Therefore, the Word is a light to those who receive it. ²²For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was anything kept secret, but that it should come abroad. ²³If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.  Jesus compared heaven to a mustard seed. ³¹It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: ³²But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it. Note: Heaven is forever growing where souls will find a home.

 ³⁷And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship so that it was now full. ³⁸And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and the disciples awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? ³⁹And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ⁴⁰And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?  ⁴¹And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Keywords: Mark Chapter 4, Parable of the Sower, mustard seed parable, Jesus calming the storm, Kingdom of God, seeds on good soil, Jesus’ teachings, hidden truths revealed, parables of Jesus, faith in Jesus, calming the wind and sea, lessons of faith, sowing the Word, spiritual growth, trust in God, Kingdom of Heaven comparison, power of God’s Word, Gospel of Mark.

 

 

 

 

Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media

 

Objective Chapter Four-You will learn:

A. Understand why Jesus spoke in parables

B. Explain the meaning of the candle parable: What is hidden will be revealed

C. Describe Jesus’ comparison of heaven to a mustard seed

D. Recall what Jesus said to calm the wind and sea

 

 

Outline for Chapter Four of the Gospel of  Mark

1   The parable of the sower of the word and its exposition.

 2.  The parable of a candle. It is not to be put under a bushel.

 3. The parable of the seed growing and of the mustard seed.

 4. Jesus stills a storm on the sea.

 

 

Reflection and Discussion: Something to think about.

Do you know what to say when you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, grieving, or angry? Do you find yourself complaining, or do you speak God’s Word into the situation? What do you say to calm the storm in your life?

 

 

Resources For This Lesson

Click here for the King James Bible version in the text (pdf), mobile viewing on the web (KJV), YouTube audio, and video version 9 minutes Chapter 4 (total time  ) Part One and Part Two.

 

See “Chapter Four Highlights” below for scriptures and help with the quiz. If needed, refresh the screen to retake the quiz.

 

 

1.  Why Jesus spoke in parables.  Mark 4: 1-20 KJV

 

¹And he began again to teach by the seaside: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

²And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, 

³Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:

 ⁴And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.

⁵And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:

 ⁶But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

⁷And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

⁸And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred.

⁹And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 

¹⁰And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. 

¹¹And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

 ¹²That seeing they may see, and not perceive, and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

¹³And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? 

¹⁴The sower soweth the word. 

¹⁵And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

¹⁶And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 

¹⁷And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. 

¹⁸And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 

¹⁹And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.  

Mark 4:20 “And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”

 

 

2.  The meaning of the candle parable. The light:  there is nothing hidden, which shall not be manifested. Mark 4: 21-25 KJV

²¹And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 

²²For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was anything kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

²³If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.

²⁴And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

²⁵For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. 

 

 

3.  How Jesus described heaven and its earthly comparison: the seed of a mustard seed. Mark 4: 26-34 KJV

²⁶And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

 ²⁷And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

 ²⁸For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

 ²⁹But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle because the harvest comes. 

³⁰And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 

³¹It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth:

 ³²But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.   

³³And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. 

³⁴But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. 

³⁵And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 

 

 

4.  What Jesus said to make the wind and sea obey him.  Mark 4: 35-41 KJV 

³⁵And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. 

³⁶And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. 

³⁷And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 

³⁸And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

 ³⁹And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 

⁴⁰And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 

⁴¹And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

 

 

Interactive Quiz.

 

 

 

 

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Call to salvation:

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:9-10  9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. 

John 3:5-6  5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.