In our summer sermon series on some of Jesus’ parables, we start with The Parable of the Sower (or Soils) in Mark 4:1-20. This one is especially helpful, because it includes Jesus’ explanation of the purpose of parables. It also includes his interpretation of the parable but with some key elements missing. As it turns out, Jesus pointed to the secret that will unlock all the parables for us, but only if we have ears to hear.
God is free to define Israel, to show mercy or wrath, and to add to Israel from the nations.
In response to Habakkuk’s raw complaint, God announced that he would do something wonderful, astounding, and hard-to-believe.
The opposite results of David’s and Saul’s desperate measures hold lessons about how to live in the world while not being of the world.
