1. Measuring Success Mark 4.21-34

2. Mark 4.21-22 Refers to Jesus, the lamp that comes – “I am the light of the world” (John 8.12) A follow-up to the Parable of the Sower – let your light shine/bear fruit (see Matthew 5.14-16)

3. Mark 4.21-25 Promises of God’s blessing are given to those who respond in faith to the Light of the world, Jesus with obedience and submission to the Word of God Verses 24-25 reveal the power of the Word of God to bless and judge us according to the responses we make to Jesus and His Word

4. Mark 4.26-29 – The Parable of the Growing Seed The Word of God has a power of its own working in the hearts of people Wait with confidence that the work in God’s kingdom is going on Let go and let God do His work Take our Sabbath seriously

5. Mark 4.30-32 – The Parable of the Mustard Seed ‘Mustard…with its pungent taste and fiery effect…grows entirely wild, though it is improved by being transplanted: but on the other hand when it has once been sown it is scarcely possible to get the place free of it, as the seed when it falls germinates at once.’ Pliny the Elder, Natural History The kingdom of God which started small has grown large and continues to grow, being both a shelter and a threat – its growth is irresistible