Slices
Prepare
Can you think of a time when you heard God speak to you clearly? What areas of your life do you need to hear him speak about just now?
Bible passage
A lamp on a stand
21 He said to them, ‘Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.’
24 ‘Consider carefully what you hear,’ he continued. ‘With the measure you use, it will be measured to you – and even more. 25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.’
The parable of the growing seed
26 He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces corn – first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 As soon as the corn is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.’
The parable of the mustard seed
30 Again he said, ‘What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.’
33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Explore
There is much discussion at the meeting today as our reading from Mark’s report contains a number of riddles or puzzles that Jesus poses while talking about the kingdom of God. Jesus tells his followers to listen carefully. I wonder if he is telling us that there is more to his kingdom than is obvious at first, and we need to work out the hidden or spiritual depths, not just judge on the physical appearances.
I am encouraged by the story of a lamp. Obviously no one would light a lamp and then hide it. Jesus lit the lamp when he started the church (to which we all belong). Surely he won’t allow it now to be hidden by Nero’s opposition.
I also like the story of the mustard seed growing into a large plant. Something that starts so small and insignificant grows into something conspicuous and unmissable. As believers, we might feel very vulnerable and insignificant in the face of the opposition against us. Maybe Jesus is promising that, from this wavering existence, the Way will spread throughout the world, growing in strength and providing hope and comfort to many people.
Respond
Which of these word pictures or parables speaks to you most today? How will you ensure that you have heard Jesus’ meaning and acted on it?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Deuteronomy 25,26; Romans 6
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Karen Quinney and Sue Hill of the Mission Events team as they work though the final compliance checks for SU holidays over the Easter period. Pray also as they begin the groundwork for the 2026 holiday season.
