Mark 4: Amidst Storms & Riddles, ☧'s Strong Word Gives Faith

Rev. John Lukomski, retired LCMS pastor and co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Mark 4.

“To the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” In Mark 4 Jesus ☧ speaks of the paradox of faith and understanding: in order for these to be given, they must have already been received.

These parables were not meant as easy-to-understand sermon illustrations. Like the injunctions of silence with the miracles, ☧ revealed Himself through these parables gradually and on His own terms—not on the terms of human initiative or wisdom. Each elaborates on the central message that, even though its growth is inexplicable and at times imperceptible, the kingdom of God is indeed being grown through the strong Word of ☧. This is finally shown when the storm calms at ☧’s Word. Amidst fear and calamity, ☧ grows His disciples’ faith slowly but surely with His teaching and rebuke.