Mark 4:26-29 “With the Faith of a Farmer”

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Lauren Daigle – Trust In You
• Matt Maher – Lord, I Need You
• All Sons & Daughters – Great Are You Lord

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The Parable of the Growing Seed | Animated Bible Story | Mark 4:26-29 – Bible Story for Kids
• Every Move I Make I Make In You – Song for Kids
• I Won’t Be Afraid | Cross Culture Norway VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• This Train Is Bound for Glory | Rocky Railway VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Jesus uses another parable to explain the Kingdom of God. The reign of God can be likened to a seed planted in the ground (verse 26). Once the seed is sown, there is nothing more a person can do about it. Life within the seed takes care of sprouting and growing on its own. The underground process is invisible to human eyes (verse 27). The sprouting, the growing of the stalk, the formation of the head, and the bearing of grain are all the work of life inherent within the seed. The only thing a person can do is to help ensure that life processes continue to occur naturally (verse 28). It is only when the grain is ripe and ready for harvest that human hands are needed (verse 29).

Meditation:

Jesus’ proclamation that “The kingdom of God has come near” (Mark 1:15) does not mean that God’s kingdom is approaching Earth like a comet from outer space. Rather, it means, “Through me, God is beginning a new work of salvation.” Therefore, the “Kingdom of God” is better understood as “the reign of God.” It can also be translated as “God’s plan of salvation” or “the work God is doing.” Verse 26 can be interpreted as “What God is doing among us can be compared to this” with this understanding.

The focus of the “Parable of the Growing Seed” is that humans neither fully understand nor have control over God’s work. Once the seed is sown, the process by which it sprouts and grows remains invisible to human eyes. While we can observe the stages as the sprout grows into a stalk, produces leaves and flowers, and bears fruit, humans cannot actively contribute to this process. All we can do is watch the changes brought about by the life force within the seed. We may play a passive role, such as watering or protecting the seed from pests, but we cannot take on a more active role. Our only task comes when the fruit is fully ripe—harvesting and enjoying it.

This is how the work of God operates. God’s saving work through Jesus is beyond our ability to see or comprehend. As mentioned in verse 22, it is hidden and concealed. Even when the work of God becomes visible, there is nothing we can add to it—nor is there any need to. God accomplishes everything. In truth, if we truly understand who God is and who we are, we will recognize how presumptuous it is to think we could contribute anything to His work. Our role is not to hinder what God is doing. All we are called to do is trust God, wait patiently, and respond with awe, gratitude, and praise when His work is revealed.

Prayer:

Lord, open our eyes to the mystery of the seed. Just as a farmer trusts and waits for the sprout to emerge after planting the seed in the ground, help us to trust in your presence and work among us. Grant us faith to believe that you are working invisibly in our midst. Protect us from the foolishness of hindering your will under the guise of doing your work. In humility, we offer ourselves to you—use us as instruments in the work you are accomplishing. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God is always at work, even when we can’t see or fully understand it. Just like a seed grows in the ground without us knowing how, God is growing His plans in our lives. We can trust God, be patient, and do our part by following God’s guidance, knowing God will bring His good work to completion.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Have you ever planted seeds? What was it like to wait for it to grow?
  • Why do you think God wants us to trust Him even when we can’t see what He’s doing?
• For Middle School
  • Can you think of a time when you didn’t understand what was happening but later saw that it was part of God’s plan?
  • What are some ways you can help others see God’s work in their lives?
• For High School
  • What role do humility and patience play in allowing God to work in and through us?
  • How can you encourage others in your church, school, or community to trust God’s plans, even when unclear?