Mark 4:26-30 The Seasons of the Kingdom of God

The Seasons of the Kingdom of God

Mark 4:26–30

Introduction: The Rhythm of Seasons

Life moves in seasons. Athletes train in the off-season, work to build a record during the season, and strive for the championship in the post-season. Gardeners prepare the soil, plant at the right time, and patiently wait for the harvest. Even television shows follow a timeline—writing, rehearsing, filming, and editing before the final product is released. We understand the importance of timing in our daily lives.

Jesus used a similar idea to teach about the Kingdom of God. Like a seed planted in the ground, God’s kingdom grows in ways we cannot see or fully understand. Yet, there is a set time for everything—the planting, the growing, and ultimately, the harvest. In Mark 4:26–29, Jesus explains how the Kingdom of God follows this pattern.

How the Kingdom Grows

Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.” God’s kingdom is like a farmer planting seeds. The farmer doesn’t make the seed grow—he simply plants it and waits. The process of growth is mysterious and happens without human effort.

This has always been true of God’s plan. From the very beginning, He planted promises like seeds, and they grew over time, though people often didn’t understand how:

  • God promised that the offspring of Eve would crush the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15).
  • Abraham was told his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 22:17).
  • King David knew a ruler would come from his line (2 Samuel 7:12–13).
  • The prophet Joel spoke of the Spirit being poured out (Joel 2:28–29).

Just as a farmer does not control the mystery of growth, we do not always understand how God’s kingdom is expanding. Jesus explained this to Nicodemus, saying, “The wind blows where it wishes… so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).

What Time Are We In?

Right now, we are in the “growing season” of the Kingdom. We are in the time of reconciliation with God—mercy is available for all who believe and turn to Christ, accepting Him as revealed through the Scriptures (Romans 8:23–25). For those who trust in Him, they are given the task of sharing, proclaiming, and living that message. Though the kingdom of God is here now, it has not yet been fully revealed. Until Christ returns, we live as strangers and exiles—awaiting full redemption and the hope of being made like Christ (Philippians 2:15).

Our perseverance in the faith bears witness to the truth of the gospel. It shows the world that there is no salvation or true fulfillment apart from Christ. Our struggles also refine us—they prune away worldly desires and grow within us a deeper longing for Christ and His return (Romans 8:23–25).

While we live here, we should be looking for ways to produce good works—fruit of redemption—that benefits our neighbor. We give of ourselves as Christ gave of Himself, even for those who may never repay us. We are not called to isolation—we are in the world. Yet, we are not of the world. We don’t follow man-made systems that reject or distort God’s design (Philippians 2:15).

What Happens When the Kingdom is Fully Grown?

Jesus continued, “The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” The Kingdom of God is moving toward a final moment—the harvest. This represents the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment.

Jesus gave another parable about wheat and weeds. The wheat and weeds grew together until the harvest, when the weeds were gathered to be burned, and the wheat was gathered into the barn (Matthew 13:24–30). This points to the final separation between those who belong to God and those who reject Him.

The book of Revelation describes this moment: “Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man… ‘Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe’” (Revelation 14:14–16).

As we wait for the sovereign hand of God to move within human time, we work to proclaim that it is coming—that redemption is found in Jesus. The battle of our affections, the presence of injustice with no human remedy, and our desire for true righteousness all stir within our hearts a cry of “Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22)—a longing for Christ’s return, when full restoration for all creation will come.

Conclusion: Be Faithful Until the Harvest

The Kingdom of God is growing—even when we cannot see it clearly. And one day, the harvest will come. Until then, we are called to be faithful—to live with our eyes on eternity. We proclaim the gospel, do good to others, endure trials, and long for Christ’s return.

The harvest is coming. Let us be found ready.

Scripture References

  1. Genesis 3:15 – God’s first promise of a Savior, predicting Jesus’ victory over sin and Satan.
  2. Genesis 22:17 – God’s covenant with Abraham, pointing to the vast spiritual family of believers.
  3. 2 Samuel 7:12–13 – God’s promise to David that his descendant (Jesus) would reign forever.
  4. Joel 2:28–29 – A prophecy about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, fulfilled at Pentecost.
  5. John 3:8 – Jesus explains that the work of the Spirit, like the wind, is beyond human control.
  6. Romans 11:25 – Paul speaks of a time when many non-Jews will come to faith before Israel fully recognizes Jesus as the Messiah.
  7. Matthew 13:24–30 – Jesus’ parable of the wheat and weeds, illustrating the final judgment.
  8. Revelation 14:14–16 – A vision of Jesus returning to reap the harvest of the earth.
  9. Romans 8:23–25 – Believers groan as they wait for the redemption of their bodies and full adoption as sons and daughters.
  10. Philippians 2:15 – Believers are called to shine as lights in a dark world while living holy lives.
  11. 1 Corinthians 16:22 – “Maranatha” expresses the believer’s longing for the return of Jesus Christ.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mark 1:1-8 The Promise of the Gospel

The Promise of the Gospel Mark 1:1–8 Introduction: A Long-Awaited Bloom Some flowers take a long time to reveal their beauty. The Queen of the Andes is one such plant. It grows quietly for almost 100 years before blooming only once, releasing thousands of smaller flowers and millions of seeds—then it dies. All those years of waiting finally lead to one moment of stunning fulfillment. This is a lot like the Gospel. From the very beginning, God planted a promise that one day a Savior would come to fix what was broken. Through years of waiting and many reminders, God carefully nurtured that promise. In Mark 1:1–8, we see that promise beginning to bloom. John the Baptist steps onto the scene to prepare the way for Jesus—the long-awaited Savior. The Promise of a Savior “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1) The Gospel isn’t just a story—it’s the fulfillment of a plan God has been unfolding since the very beginning. After Adam and Eve sinned in...
Read more

Mark 4:35-41 Who Then Is This?

Who Then Is This? (Mark 4:35–41) Introduction Imagine hiring a contractor for a home renovation. You meet someone confident, knowledgeable, and reassuring, but when the work begins, the experience doesn’t match the promises. Calls go unanswered, deadlines are missed, and the finished product is disappointing. The person who made the promise isn’t the same person delivering the work. Unlike people, Jesus is entirely consistent. Who He claims to be is exactly who He is, both in word and action. In Mark 4:35–41, Jesus demonstrates His power over creation itself, proving that He is not just a messenger but the very Son of God. This passage challenges us to ask, as the disciples did, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41) Jesus’ Purpose: Preaching the Kingdom (Mark 4:35–36) As evening came, Jesus told His disciples, “Let us go across to the other side” (Mark 4:35). He had been teaching the crowds all day, but now He was moving on. Why? Because Jesus...
Read more

Obadiah 1-4 The Pride of Your Heart Has Deceived You

Image
Obadiah 1-4 The Pride of Your Heart Has Deceived You Main Point God has spoken, pride lies, and false saviors fail. Introduction The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, yet its message is sharp and clear. God will humble the proud, and false saviors cannot stand on the Day of the Lord. Obadiah speaks against Edom, the descendants of Esau, who placed their confidence in high rocks, strong defenses, and the pride of their hearts. This is not only ancient history. The same warnings confront us today. Judges showed that God’s people fell apart when they did what was right in their own eyes. Jude warned that false teachers twist grace and lead the church astray. Obadiah declares that those outside God’s covenant who trust in themselves will fall. Pride blinds. Sin destroys. God judges. Only His King can save (Obadiah 1:1 to 4). 1. A Message from the LORD of Coming Judgment Obadiah opens with a vision. The message did not come from his imagin...
Read more