Mark 4:3, 9 Listen; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:… Hearken! "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear!" A frequent peculiarity in Christ's speech. It is well to note when he uses it. It is the whisper of Christ. John seems to have caught and represented this manner of the Master most closely. I. THE VALUE OF THE STATEMENTS OF THE GOSPEL. 1. Affecting the personal interest of every one. Happiness or misery, life or death. 2. Determining the character of every one. 3. The condescension and compassion of infinite love. II. THE DIFFICULTY OF GIVING THEM THE ATTENTION AND CONSIDERATION THEY DESERVE. 1. They appeal to the least-developed side of human nature. 2. They have little or no immediate earthly interest to commend them. 3. They have commoner and more latent meanings, and the latter may not be apprehended. 4. They have many counterfeits. "Lo here! Lo there!" 5. The earthly life of men is full of distractions. III. THE RESPONSIBILITY ATTACHING TO THEM. This remains with the hearer, and he cannot free himself. The language of Scripture and the deepest experiences of human nature alike assure us of this. 1. God has given all men power to understand and receive his gospel. That is, of course, provided they have not lost their reason. 2. Personal moral effort is required with respect to them. (1) To cease delaying. (2) To use what faculty and opportunity we have. (3) To suppress prejudice, aversion, sin, etc. - M. Parallel Verses KJV: Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: |
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