How does Mark 4:14 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? Setting the scene The Lord teaches a farmer-style parable in Mark 4 and issues a global marching order in Matthew 28. Both moments spotlight one identical task: getting God’s Word into human hearts. Mark 4:14—The sower sows the word • “The sower sows the word.” • The seed is not advice, philosophy, or feelings—it is God’s inspired Word (2 Timothy 3:16). • The sower’s only duty is to scatter the seed faithfully; growth belongs to God (1 Corinthians 3:6). Matthew 28:19-20—The mandate to go and teach • “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” • Baptizing and teaching are the twin acts of sowing: introducing the Word and nurturing it toward obedience. • Jesus promises His continual presence, underscoring that sowing is a cooperation between the sent servant and the ever-present Lord. Threads that tie the two passages together 1. Same seed, wider field – Mark identifies the seed; Matthew names the field—“all nations.” 2. Same action, expanded scope – Sowing = preaching and teaching. Mark shows the action in parable form; Matthew turns it into a command. 3. Same dependence on God – In both texts the outcome lies in God’s hands: growth in Mark 4, Christ’s abiding presence in Matthew 28. 4. Same end goal – Fruitful hearts that “bear thirtyfold, sixtyfold, even a hundredfold” (Mark 4:20) parallel “teaching them to obey” (Matthew 28:20). True discipleship is the harvest. Supporting scriptures • Isaiah 55:10-11—God’s Word never returns empty. • Romans 10:17—Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ. • 1 Peter 1:23—Believers are born again through the living and enduring Word of God. Practical takeaways for today’s disciple-sower • Keep the seed pure—share Scripture itself, not watered-down substitutes. • Scatter widely—every relationship, every place becomes potential “soil.” • Trust God with results—focus on faithfulness, not visible success. • Disciple intentionally—after initial sowing, keep watering through teaching and example. • Lean on Christ’s presence—confidence flows from His promise, “I am with you always.” |
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