He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Mark 4:26-29
Parallel Text: None
When I was in school, I was pretty good in science. When it was time for the test on seeds and plants and how plants grow, I could recall all the answers to the questions. I could say that the cells in the plants grow and divide, and that the DNA of the plant determines how they will grow and what parts form and all of that, but can I say that I understand how all of this happens; really understand? No.
Maybe you understand it, but I don’t, even though I could explain what I learned about it. Maybe you noticed the subtle difference between knowing about and understanding…
In this parable, Jesus is talking about the Kingdom; after all, he is on the Kingdom Tour… He’s talking up the Kingdom. I know a lot about the Kingdom, and even though there are those who know more about it than I do, I know more than most. Yet, can I say I fully understand it? No, not at all, for there is a component within the Kingdom that I cannot begin to understand fully, even though I know about it: The life power of God.
Down through the years, I have planted a great many seeds, maybe that’s why I do this blogging thing… maybe that’s why you do it, too. I’m not sure that I fully understand it, but I know that if you and I plant enough seeds, a crop will grow, and if we keep our eyes and ears open, we will see and hear evidence that tells us that a potion of the crop is ready for harvest. Hopefully, we’ll decide to get involved in that harvest and help to bring some of it in, along with unknown numbers of others all around the globe, for this is how the Kingdom works. I have harvested many in whom others planted the seeds, and many others have brought in a harvest from seeds I planted; it’s all good!
This what Jesus is trying to teach here: Plant seeds, lots of seeds. Pay attention, and bring in the harvest when and where the time is ripe. We don’t really need to understand every detail, we just need to plant, pay attention and harvest.
Life Project Blog 
Amen
When we were young we each had a small piece of earth (6 foot x 6 foot) to “garden”. We all followed instructions – except my sister. She kept fiddling with her seed – then seedlings. Having a look. Making sure they were growing. We thought she was nuts. That she would kill them all – and we all left ours alone to do the “growing thing”.
Hers all turned out bigger and better than ours.
Never understood that either!
I guess she just fiddled right, or would that be well…?
LOL!!!!
Never asked her. She used to beat me up from time to time! Quite a gel my sister!
🙂
Not to be crossed, apparently. Aha! I’ve got it! She threatened the seedlings; they wouldn’t dare mess up!
Oh for an icon of me rolling around laughing hysterically! 🙂
I’m all for planting seeds. Not sure I always plant the right seeds in the right place 🙂
I understand that feeling 🙂
Is 55:9-13, especially 11.
It is amazing to look back sometimes and see fruit where you never believed it would happen but you sowed anyways and someone else reaped the harvest. God works in amazing ways! Thanks for sharing.
Here sure does!
1 Cor 3: 5 – 9 helps us all appreciate that we have opportunity to plant seeds and nurture them but that all growth and development belongs to God.
We also appreciate as the reader of hearts Gods draws those who respond positively to the kingdom message. We are described as Gods fellow workers – or as one commentary refers to us as ‘tools in God’s hand!’
The danger in this broadcasting of seed is we miss the key point that we can be alert or asleep but the work will go on. How we are motivated by the kingdom message affects us but ultimately as Jesus said he could get the very stones to cry.
Can we ever understand everything about God? No but we do have a clear insight into what is required of each one of us.
Great passage to occupy our meditation with strong change to use reflective questions on how much we are personally doing to promote the Kingdom of God.
Yes it is, thanks for the thoughtful comments!