Engage Like Jesus
Pete Stearns | January 30, 2022
This week, we will look at several parables of Jesus in chapter 4 of Mark, examining the ways in which Jesus calls his listeners—including us—to fully engage in the Kingdom of God.
Key Notes and Scripture
Mark 4:10-12 The Purpose of the Parables
Jesus is not interested in the CROWD — He wants those who are ready to ENGAGE.
Mark 4:3-8 The Parable of the Sower
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? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Mark 4:21-25
If we want to ENGAGE we need to move from a posture of self-preservation into a posture of vulnerable reception.
Jesus isn’t interested in a Kingdom built on our terms and conditions — He instead invites us to ENGAGE with a Kingdom exploding with his presence.
Going Deeper: Praying the Scriptures
This week, spend some time alone with God reflecting on these passages:
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? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open. If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”
“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Mark 4:21-25
Listen: In a quiet place, read the passage slowly. Pay attention to any words or phrases that jump out. What resonates with you? Is there anything you find yourself resisting?
Locate: Re-read both passages, this time imagining Jesus speaking directly to you. Where are you? What does the tone of his voice sound like? What else do you experience?
Invitation: As you read the passages again, what invitation or challenge do you feel called to respond to? You may need to spend some time in prayer after reading to let it all sink in.
Reflect: In prayer this week, take your own temperature: are you comfortable where you are? Are you “all in?” If you’re “all in,” what does that look like in your life right now? Are you somewhere in between?
Wherever you may be in this, ask God to help your posture be one open to receive what God wants to give you—to the point of overflowing.
