Mark 4:1-12
The Lord Jesus is by the seaside and teaches the crowds, using the picture language of parables. The first is that of the Sower. He presents Himself here as the One who bears the good seed of the Gospel and scatters it in the world. Although He knows their hearts and the way in which they will receive — or will not receive — the truth, He gives each one the opportunity to come into contact with the Word of life. Have you received it?
V. 12 must not disturb us — as if the Lord could be afraid of seeing men being converted and that He would be obliged, in spite of Himself, to forgive their sins! We must understand that it is the Jewish people in general which is in question here. They have accused the Lord Jesus of having a demon, thus rejecting the witness of the Holy Spirit. Such a sin cannot be forgiven them and Israel will be hardened in so far as the nation is concerned (Mark 3:29; Romans 11:7-8; Romans 11:25). But all those who wish to talk to the Lord Jesus "alone", can find room "about Him" today as then, to hear the revelation of the mysteries of the kingdom of God (vv. 10, 11, 34; cf. Proverbs 28:5). Let us make use of this great privilege and in particular do not let us deprive ourselves of meetings where we gather around the Lord to listen to His Word.