Seeds Growing in Secret - Mark 4:26-29

The next parable is found only in Mark which says, “So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seen into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteh in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” This is an excellent illustration of how God can create and grow and flourish all things, but we don’t see or understand how he does it. He does this with healing, especially spiritual healing, I don’t know how it works or how he does it, but he does and it’s amazing. JTC notes, “In this story we find effectively illustrated the fact of the vitality of the seed of truth, though the secret processes of its growth be a mystery to all save God alone. A man having planted seed must needs leave it alone. He may tend the field, removing weeds, protecting the plants as best he may, but the growth itself is dependent upon conditions and forces beyond his power to ultimately control.”

The IM quotes Elder Wilfredo R. Lopez speaking to those teachers in the church, “the germination and full flowering of living gospel seeds in the hearts and minds of those we teach depend on factors over which we may have little control. The choice of whether a person will ponder and accept the truths of the gospel belongs, as a matter of personal agency, with those we teach. If a person’s testimony is to grow until it bears mature fruit, or conversion, God must be the primary force behind our harvest. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we may participate in the education of those who are growing and becoming fruitful. We, as authorized sowers, need to understand and trust that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is a living seed and that if we will teach it, the grace of God will attend those we teach, as they grow to spiritual maturity and bring forth good works. Our job will then be full in the day of the harvest.” I love this parable because it gives such an eternal perspective. It gives hope to those of us who love unbelievers that one day our loved ones will understand how amazing the gospel is, and it also gives us hope that our efforts to share the gospel will some day bear fruit. This is my new favorite parable.