Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly

Definition of Parable:

Parable signifies in general a comparison, or a parallel, by which one thing is used to illustrate another. It is a likeness taken from the sphere of real, or sensible, or earthly incidents, in order to convey an ideal, or spiritual, or heavenly meaning. As uttering one thing and signifying something else, it is in the nature of a riddle and has therefore a light and a dark side, it is intended to stir curiosity and calls for intelligence in the listener.   The derivation of the Hebrew is unknown.

Parable of the Seed Growing Secretly

Mark 4:26-29

And he said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how. The earth produces of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come."

Explanation/Meaning:

This parable speaks of growth and harvest -- a continual process both in the natural sphere as well as the spiritual.  A seed cannot bear fruit unless it first dies and is buried in the earth (see John 12:26). While harvest is the culmination or climax of nature's cycle, it also provides seed for future sowing.  God's kingdom works in similar fashion.  It starts from the smallest of beginnings in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God's word.  And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within.  Just as a seed has no power to produce life of itself until it is planted in the earth, so we cannot be born again as a new creation in Christ until God makes us new in the power of his Holy Spirit. In baptism we die with Christ and we are raised as sons and daughters of God.  The coming of God's kingdom causes a transformation in life, like the tiny seed which first sprouts, then grows and bears fruit in abundance.  In like manner, the hidden life of Christ grows first in the receptive heart of a believer and then transforms that person into a noble and useful vessel of Christ-like holiness and spiritual power (see 2 Cor. 4:7 and 2 Tim. 2:21). Do you seek to be transformed in Christ?

"Lord, change and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a burning desire to live for your greater glory.