This week, we jumped back into our sermon series on the gospel of Mark, in which we are focusing on who Jesus is and what it means to follow him. Whether someone is seeking to understand who Jesus is or wants to grow as a follower of Christ, the Gospel of Mark tackles these issues head-on. Over the next few months, we will work through Mark and seek to answer these two questions: 1) Who is Jesus? and 2) What does it mean to follow him?

This week we were in Mark 4:21-34. In this section, the three parables ask a fundamental question "Are you listening?" Are you listening to the words of eternal life, and are you responding appropriately? The passage addresses two significant points: 1. Responding to the Gospel of the Kingdom 2. The Nature of God's Kingdom

We see the first topic in the parable of the lamp under a basket. It reminds us that our response to the gospel determines our present trajectory in this life and eternal destiny in the life to come "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." How do we know we have responded correctly to the hearing of the gospel of the kingdom? It is because we become not just hearers of the word but doers by the power of the Spirit.

What, then, is the nature of God's Kingdom? It begins as a tiny mustard seed and becomes a large tree providing shade for the birds. The kingdom of God may appear slow in coming, but it will come in God's way and time. "In a world that values speed and size, the work of the gospel can appear slow and small. But don't be deceived; it cannot be stopped." – Matt Smethurst

Are you listening? If you are, then you'll be expecting great things from God and attempting great things for God while doing small things with faithfulness. His kingdom is sure. His kingdom will be glorious. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. May God give us ears to hear.

Resources:

• Short Film: How the Humble Mustard Seed Reminds us of God’s Global Unstoppable Kingdom - Justin Taylor

• Careful Listening- Alistair Begg

• Does the Kingdom Grow? - Kevin DeYoung

Reflection Questions:

• Are you listening to the words of life being offered?

• Are you a hearer or doer of the Word?

• Do you become discouraged by the slowness of gospel fruit? How does God meet you there?