Here again we find parables that Matthew also shares. Mark does include one that the other Gospels omit; the Parable of the Growing Seed. Again we see a story develop if we read these parables together. While the seed needs to be rooted in good soil, i.e. the word needs to land in an open heart; it is God who grows the seed into a fruit bearing plant, just as it is God who grows the seed of His truth into faith into our heart and we cannot take credit for anything other than having a receptive heart to His truth. And when the word of God is planted in a human heart and grown by God it becomes great and mighty giving life to everything around it.
As we move away from the seed parables we move into a passage of miracles. The miracle of calming the storm, of healing the demon possessed man “Legion”, the healing of Jairus’ daughter and the bleeding woman. When I look at these stories together something jumps out. When Jesus cams the storm, the disciples ask “Who is this?” When Legion sees Jesus, he falls on his knees and the demons immediately know who it is. When Jairus sees Jesus He falls at His feet and acknowledges Jesus’ ability to heal his daughter. And when the woman who has been bleeding for twelve years heard about Jesus she touched His cloak and when He looked she fell at His feet. He who has ears to ear and eyes to see.
Now think about this relationship between those who are close to Jesus and are asking who He is as compared to those who are not close but see and hear the truth of who He is and notice where Mark takes us next; to the rejection of Jesus by those who know Him best, His own home town.
