| Scripture |
Expanded Comments |
| |
|
| 1 And again he began to teach by the sea. And a great crowd was gathered together to him, so that going on board ship he sat in the sea, and all the crowd were close to the sea on the land. |
A great multitude – Attracted by reason of the miracles he performed. R3763:1
|
| 2 And he taught them many things in parables. And he said to them in his doctrine, |
Parables – Similes, illustrations, the thing said never being the thing meant. R3763:1
These different parable-pictures represent the same subject from different standpoints, just as a photograph of a building from the north, south, east and west, internally and externally. R4636:2, 5049:6
The prophet had foretold that our Lord would open his mouth in "parables" and in "dark sayings." (Psa. 78:2) R3763:3
|
| 3 Hearken: Behold, the sower went forth to sow.
|
Hearken – An implication that an important lesson is contained in the parable. R3763:1
Only he that seeketh findeth the true meaning. R3763:1
A sower – Known as the parable of the Sower, it might be more accurately described as the parable of the four kinds of soil, representing four kinds of human hearts. R3763:1
Our Lord was the great Sower, and after him the apostles. Since then he has used all of his faithful people more or less in this seed-sowing. R4634:3
To sow – The field first sown is a Jewish field. The portion of the Gentile field that is being sown is but a limited one. R3764:3
|
| 4 And it came to pass as he sowed, one fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured it.
|
By the way side – The fields of Palestine are not fenced and the paths of travel frequently cross them. R3763:2
And the fowls – Syrian and Palestinian birds seem to be much more numerous than elsewhere, probably on account of the climate; they are said to be one of the special pests of the farmer of that region. R3763:2
Representing Satan and his evil agents. R5039:2, 2634:6
|
| 5 And another fell on the rocky ground, where it had not much earth, and immediately it sprung up out of the ground because it had no depth of earth;
|
On stony ground – Palestine abounds with limestone, which renders the soil very rich, but, when shallow, very hot. R3763:2
|
| 6 and when the sun arose it was burnt up, and because of its not having any root, it withered.
|
The sun – The sun of persecution necessary for the ripening. R5039:4
|
| 7 And another fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
|
Fell among thorns – Fifty genera and 200 species of plants in Syria and Palestine are furnished with thorns and prickles, probably more than any other country. Some grow ten to fifteen feet high. R3763:2*
|
| 8 And another fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing; and bore, one thirty, and one sixty, and one a hundred.
|
Thirty...sixty...hundred – One writer remarks that at Geneva in 1855 he got from the field a single ear of barley containing 276 grains. R3763:2
Bring forth the fruits of the Spirit; one hundred representing the highest standard, sixty not quite as high, and thirty might mean those of the Great Company. CR276:4
|
| 9 And he said, He that has ears to hear, let him hear.
|
He that hath ears – "Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear." (Matt. 13:16) R2712:2
Let him hear – Having ears for the meaning, for the lesson, to know the will of God. R3763:3
We do our best to make plain the mystery, however only in proportion as our hearers have ears to hear can we succeed, only in proportion as the fear of God predominates over the fear of man. CR10:6
"He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Rev. 2:7) B16
|
| |
|
| 10 And when he was alone, those about him with the twelve asked him as to the parables. |
They – Not only the twelve apostles, but a considerable number of disciples or followers. R3763:3
Asked of him – Earnest desire to understand every word of God is an evidence that we belong to the kingdom class. R3763:5
The humble and truth-hungry inquire earnestly for the truth. B28
|
| 11 And he said to them, To you is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to them who are without, all things are done in parables,
|
Unto you – The Church; those walking in his footsteps. E333; R5088:1; CR435:1
The spirit-begotten ones. R4909:2
The meek, honest and faithful of God's people. D614; R4666:2
Israelites indeed in whom there was no guile, the very class for whom God had prepared the exceeding great and precious arrangements of his plan. R4108:2
An elect class he was attracting to himself who would be suitable for his Bride, his kingdom, his Church. R3763:4
Applies not only to the disciples of that day, but to the disciples all through the age. R1742:1
Unto the saints, in proportion as they are saintly. OV5:1
The brethren. CR476:3
While dismissing the self-satisfied, fault-finding quibbles of the Pharisees with dark or evasive answers, he took time and care in making the truth clear and plain to the humble. B27
It is given to know – At the first presence, the humble Israelites indeed were not confused, but enlightened, so now in the second presence. D599; B28, B170
The Lord interpreted his parables and dark sayings to the apostles. R4909:2
Because they were in the condition of heart that would be profited by the knowledge. R3763:4
Yet even to the disciples there were certain things better left unsaid. "I have many things to tell you, but ye cannot bear them now." (John 16:12) R3780:4
Not to produce sanctification (consecration) but to strengthen, confirm, and upbuild those who are sanctified (set apart). R716:4*
If those without were declared "worthy of stripes" for not receiving the light, what shall we say of the responsibility of the twelve who not only saw much more, but by his power in them performed his miracles. R4909:2, 1962:5
"None of the wicked shall understand, but the wise (toward God) shall understand." (Dan. 12:10) R5039:2
The mystery – "But ye, brethren are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief." (1 Thes. 5:4) C215
"The secret of the Lord is with them that reverence him, and he will show them his covenant." (Psa. 25:14) R5039:2
Why God permits evil is one of the "deep things" revealed only to those begotten of the holy Spirit. R1506:1
The apostles received a special insight, and corresponding responsibility. R4909:2, 4907:2, 1962:5
All this privilege, opportunity, knowledge and contact with the Lord made Judas specially responsible, and his crime inexcusable. R4907:3
Them that are without – The world. OV5:1; CR435:1
Outsiders ensnared by the fear of men. CR10:6
Outsiders, not specially interested followers. R3803:2, 5088:1
The masses, not in a heart condition to understand and be profited. R5039:1
Outside the pale of the believing disciples--which included all Israel except a small "remnant." R1742:4, 4909:2
Outside of the twelve and other special disciples. R4909:2, 3780:3
The riches of God's grace were never intended to be understood, except by the elect. R4053:6
Not disciples, not consecrated. R3763:3
At the present time it is not given to all to see and understand, but the time is coming when all the blind eyes shall be opened. R3140:5
In parables – Dark sayings. D614
Psalm 78:2 foretold that our Lord would open his mouth in "parables" and in "dark sayings." R3763:3
In order that, even though having the Bible before them, others than the consecrated may not really see and understand. B170
|
| 12 that beholding they may behold and not see, and hearing they may hear and not understand, lest it may be, they should be converted and they should be forgiven.
|
Not perceive – The Scriptures were written and arranged in such a way by the Lord, through the inspired writers, that they could not be understood except by those who would come into harmony with him by faith and obedience. Q821:1
Nevertheless, there was something very attractive in the Master's style, so that even those who did not fully comprehend his teachings said, "Never man spake like this man." (John 7:46) R3803:2
Because their hearts were not right. Because of this unworthiness, blindness came upon Israel, and will continue until the fullness of the Gentiles is come in. (Rom. 11:25) R1742:4
Not understand – Because the masses even of the Jews were not in a heart condition to understand. R5039:1
The dark sayings of our Lord were not understood by the people who heard them and seem to be but little better comprehended today. A128
But that the specially zealous Israelite indeed might be attracted to closer study and inquiry. R3803:2
Unintelligible words from the standpoint of ordinary Christian thought. R3763:3
We are not to be surprised at the wide difference of understanding of God and of his mightiness and character, as viewed by the saints and by the world; but to expect it. R2712:2
Lest at any time – "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing." Had the multitudes believed, certain features of the divine plan might have been hindered. R3763:6
Should be converted – Turned to a proper course. R3763:3
|
| 13 And he says to them, Do ye not know this parable? and how will ye be acquainted with all the parables?
|
Know ye not – The Lord expected his disciples to see the drift of this parable without inquiring for an explanation. R1741:6
He expected them to use their common sense in either interpreting the parable for themselves, or in judging the correctness of interpretations offered by others. R3250:3
How then – He would have us think, consider and put out God-given mental faculties to their legitimate use. R3250:3
Will ye know – Understand. R1566:2
All parables – This parable would serve as a general key for the interpretation of all Jesus' parables. R5039:2, 3763:6, 716:4*
He only explained the one parable and left us to find the significance of the others by study, comparison and observation of his methods and principles. R716:4*
Any interpretation out of harmony with the general principles laid down in the Scriptures, or at variance with any plain, direct statement, may be set down as incorrect, whether we see a better one or not. R716:4*
Resulting in many misinterpretations of his teachings. R2476:3
|
| 14 The sower sows the word:
|
Soweth the word – The Word of God, the entire revelation which God has made to us--the Bible. R3764:1, 5039:2, 2628:4
More than this, it represents that particular element or feature of God's Word which relates to the kingdom. R5039:2, 2628:4
Intention, plan or purpose of God. R338:1, 421:2
First, in a Jewish field, already prepared by divine instructions and disciplines. The Gentile field that is being sown is but a limited one. Christendom is the wheatfield. R3764:3
Not that any particular translation of the Word of God, nor that any religious writings which contain this Word are invaluable, but they are good seed only in proportion as they are thoroughly loyal to the divine Word. R3764:1
|
| 15 and these are they by the wayside where the word is sown, and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.
|
By the way side – The heart not in a receptive attitude, hard like the wayside path. R5039:2
Paths hard trodden by life's experiences; sometimes by too great prosperity. Trials, sufferings, and disappointments may plow them up. R3764:3
Their hearts being solid and compact with selfishness. R2627:3
Hard ground--hard hearts, selfish hearts, proud hearts. R5039:3
For such the Lord must, either through trials in the present life or disciplines in the Millennium, plow up their hearts and make them ready for the reception of the truth. R3764:4
Satan – Our Lord and the apostles were firm believers in a personal devil. R3165:6,5
Satan and his evil agents are represented by the "birds." R5039:2
Taketh away the word – We lose the benefit of that which we do not understand. R5039:2
|
| 16 And these are they in like manner who are sown upon the rocky places, who when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy,
|
On stony ground – Those with little depth of character, merely emotional, shallow, superficial in their love of righteousness. Below the surface are hard, stony, selfish hearts. R5039:3, 2627:5
We cannot see as God sees, we know not the heart, the shallowness of the nature. R3764:4
Immediately receive it – The first gush of enthusiasm in the Lord's service, much as we may and do appreciate it, may be but the hasty production of shallow soil in the heart. R1656:1
|
| 17 and they have no root in themselves, but are for a time: then, tribulation arising, or persecution on account of the word, immediately they are offended.
|
No root in themselves – Little depth of character, merely emotional. R5039:3
Having little nourishment, backed by little character, it will soon wither and bring no fruitage to maturity. R3764:4
The trouble was not with the seed nor with the sower, nor with the sun of persecution necessary for the ripening--the fault lay in the fact that their hearts were not right; they were hard, stony. R5039:4
But for a time – Under new conditions character will be deepened and good results will be proportionately obtained. R3764:5
Offended – All their ardor oozes out, their zeal is at an end. R5039:4
|
| 18 And others are they who are sown among the thorns: these are they who have heard the word,
|
These are they – Very nice people, hospitable, educated, etc. R5039:5
Among thorns – Earthly projects and ambitions whose interests conflict with the interests of the kingdom. R3764:5
Soil that brings forth great thorns is rich, and if devoted wholly to the production of wheat would bring forth large crops. R3764:5
These thorns are not gambling devices, card parties, saloons and other places of ill-repute, nor secret sins and vices. R5039:4
This does not mean poor ground, for the thorns are to be found in the very best of ground. R2627:6
|
| 19 and the cares of life, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things, entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
|
Cares of this world – Their talents, influence, means, time--the strength of their hearts, the strength of the soil is absorbed in another direction--in the bringing forth of earthly projects and ambitions whose interests conflict with the interests of the kingdom. R3764:5
They are mistaken who suppose they can love both the Lord and the world. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) R3764:5
Deceitfulness of riches – Money--lust and the excitement of business and pleasure. R5743:2
Experience would lead us to question whether or not prosperous ones are living as near to God as when they were less prosperous. R2520:2
The Lord occasionally finds some to whom he can entrust a stewardship of riches without injury, but such instances are rare. R2520:2
If a Christian grows rich, it should be with fear and trembling. R1045:5*
The awful power in money is more dangerous than dynamite. R1045:5*
This does not signify that merely the rich are thus deceived. SM317:2
Lusts of other things – Money-lust, and the excitement of business and pleasure. R5743:2
Become unfruitful – We "cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) R3764:5
Not much can be expected from the wayside heart of the shallow-hearted, but great possibilities are lost in those in whom the seed of truth is choked by the cares of this life. R3764:6
The first spot upon their robe distressed them; but subsequently they became accustomed to seeing it spotted and thought less and less of the matter. SM260:T
|
| 20 And these are they who have been sown on the good ground, such as hear the word and receive it, and bear fruit; one thirty, and one sixty, and one a hundred fold.
|
Bring forth fruit – One kind of fruitage but with differences in the amount of yield. R5039:5
Some thirtyfold – Might mean those who perhaps will be of the Great Company class. CR276:4
Some sixty – Might be the Bride class but not to shine quite as highly in the kingdom, "star differeth from star in glory." (1 Cor. 15:41) CR276:4
All will come forth glorious, but some will blaze with a more respondent brilliancy, because of their great zeal, and therefore their great likeness to their Redeemer and Lord. R5039:5
The amount of fruitage will be measured by the amount of love and zeal in the heart. R5039:5
Some an hundred – Might be those who came up to the very highest standard. CR276:4
Those with the largest possible capacity and measure of service to our king. R3765:4
Those who love the Lord, his truth and his people most fervently. R2628:4
The fully appreciative and the fully loving, will be the most energetic to know and to do the Master's will, and they will bring forth the largest fruitage. They, too, will have the chief places in the kingdom. R5039:5
Those will have the places of honor next to the Redeemer, who, in this life, will manifest to God the greatest harmony with his character, in their zeal, their love for God, the truth and the brethren. R5039:6
|
| |
|
| 21 And he said to them, Does the lamp come that it should be put under the bushel or under the couch? Is it not that it should be set upon the lamp-stand?
|
Under a bushel – Demonstrating lack of courage, appreciation, earnestness. R4967:5
|
| 22 For there is nothing hidden which shall not be made manifest; nor does any secret thing take place, but that it should come to light.
|
There is nothing hid – This prophecy is as true in the judgment of nations as of individuals. D541
Illustrated by the X-ray machine. R1954:3
Which shall not – During the Millennial age. A303
Be manifested – A day of reckoning regarding the proper and diligent use of our gifts in harmony with the divine purpose and methods. R1972:3
We seem to be approaching this time. R1954:3
A testimony dreaded but disbelieved by unjust stewards of wealth and power. C20
The murderer and his victim, the debtor and his creditor, the thief and his dupe, the defamer and the defamed, must face each other. R1655:1
|
| 23 If any one have ears to hear, let him hear.
|
Ears to hear – The only Gospel was to be preached not to Jews only, but to people of any nation who might be found with "ears to hear"--with hearts to appreciate it. R2995:6
|
| 24 And he said to them, Take heed what ye hear; with what measure ye mete, it shall be meted to you; and there shall be more added to you.
|
Take heed what ye hear – Each should be on guard against communications and sparks that would be injurious, igniting the heart. R4381:4
With what measure ye mete – The forgiving of God's children is made dependent upon their having a spirit of forgiveness toward the brethren. R5135:5
|
| 25 For whosoever has, to him shall be given; and he who has not, even what he has shall be taken from him.
|
To him shall be given – Following this just principle, the Logos, who had proved faithful in all things, was offered the Headship of the New Creation with its sufferings and the glory to follow. (1 Pet. 1:11) F64, F65
|
| |
|
| 26 And he said, Thus is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast the seed upon the earth,
|
The kingdom of God – The embryo kingdom. R5049:6, 2634:6
Referring to the kingdom class of the present time, rather than to the kingdom in its fully developed state during the thousand years of his glory. R5049:3
The nominal church of this Gospel age. R2634:6, 5049:6
A man should cast seed – Jesus and the apostles did the seed sowing, not only for their own day but for the whole wheat class developed throughout this age. R5049:6
|
| 27 and should sleep and rise up night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he does not know how.
|
Night and day – Illustrating slow, gradual, methodical development, covering the entire period of this Gospel age. R5049:6
|
| 28 The earth bears fruit of itself, first the blade, then an ear, then full corn in the ear.
|
For the earth – The law of spiritual life finds a magnificent symbol in the law of vegetable growth. Such correspondency suggests one Bible in two volumes--the volume of Nature and the volume of Scripture. The first volume is the second volume illustrated. R29:4, 6*
Bringeth forth fruit – Slow, gradual, methodical development, covering the entire period of this Gospel age. R5049:6
Of this growth the vegetable growth is a magnificent symbol. R29:4*
First the blade – Showing varied experiences over many days before it is finally harvested. R5049:6
Then the ear – The Savior seems to use the idea of progression in three steps in reference to the development of the Gospel age, ending with the harvest. R211:4*
The full corn – Unwavering trust in the Lord, abiding rest of soul, zeal in God's service, is a matter of growth. R5912:6
|
| 29 But when the fruit is produced, immediately he sends the sickle, for the harvest is come.
|
Is brought forth – The gathering for the heavenly garner will be accomplished by the first resurrection. R5049:6
He putteth – The same Lord of the Jewish age harvest is now present directing the work of the Gospel age harvest. R1742:2
Harvest – Greek: therismos; reaping harvest. R223:1
"The harvest is the end of the age." (Matt. 13:39) R5049:6
Is come – The present is the harvest time of the Gospel age. R1742:1
|
| |
|
| 30 And he said, How should we liken the kingdom of God, or with what comparison should we compare it?
|
The kingdom of God – An interchangeable expression with "kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 13:31) R397:1
This parable represents the kingdom from the viewpoint of the world--as the nominal church, developed from the original little seed of the true Gospel. R5049:6, 2634:6
|
| 31 As to a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown upon the earth, is less than all seeds which are upon the earth,
|
It is like – Different parables view the embryo kingdom from a variety of angles. This parable represents the kingdom from the viewpoint of the world--as the nominal church. R5049:6
Grain of mustard seed – The original little seed of the true Gospel. R5049:6
|
| 32 and when it has been sown, mounts up and becomes greater than all herbs, and produces great branches, so that the birds of heaven can roost under its shadow.
|
Great branches – We have a great institution today with many denominational branches. R5049:6
So prosperous as to invite the birds. R5406:5
So that – It is the neglect to preach the Gospel of the "narrow way" that has brought such prosperity and made it a desirable place for the fowls of the air, Satan and his deluded ones. R5050:1
The fowls of the air – The wicked one and his angels--Satan and his representatives. R5049:6, 5406:5, 4636:2, 2634:6
May lodge under the shadow – As the real life of ecclesiasticism. R5050:1
Babylon, nominal Christendom, "the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." (Rev. 18:2) R2634:6, 5406:5, 5050:1, 4636:3
|
| |
|
| 33 And with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear, |
|
| 34 but without a parable spoke he not to them; and in private he explained all things to his disciples. |
But without a parable – This was the customary way for Jesus to preach. CR250:2
Not easily understood. If our Lord's parables and dark sayings be taken as plain, literal statements of truth, they will lead to all kinds of errors and misapprehensions. R4644:1
|
| |
|
| 35 And on that day, when evening was come, he says to them, Let us go over to the other side:
|
When – About two years into the Lord's ministry. R3324:1
The even was come – After 3:00 P.M. R3324:1
The past eighteen centuries have been a dark night in which the only light available has been "thy Word, a light to my feet." (Psa. 119:105) R3325:4
Let us pass over – Because he was tired from his teaching and healing, in which vitality went out of him for the relief of the people. R5058:3
Unto the other side – For a season of rest and refreshment. R5058:3
|
| 36 and having sent away the crowd, they take him with them, as he was, in the ship. But other ships also were with him. |
They – From the various accounts we judge that all twelve disciples were with him, and apparently other "men"--seamen, as Matthew's account implies. R3324:1
In the ship – One of the boats formerly used by some of his disciples and still owned by them. R5058:3
|
| 37 And there comes a violent gust of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it already filled. |
Arose a great storm – "The prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2) probably had something to do in the development of this storm. R3324:2
The storms may seem to come from the world, but really beyond the world is the Adversary. R3325:4, 3324:2
We do not wish to intimate that every storm is of Satanic origin, but we do hold that some of them are supernatural and of the Adversary. (See Job 1:13, 19) R3324:5
Picturing the experiences of the Church, being tempest-tossed all through the dark night of this Gospel age. R3325:1, 2
The great time of trouble with which this age will end. R5329:5
The long reign of sin and death has been one continuous storm. R5239:5
There are storms of life which sometimes sweep over ourselves, the brethren and the whole household, and imperil us and seem sure to sink us in despair. R5058:3
These storms may be right inside our own person, of passion, anger, resentment, trials. R5239:5
It must not surprise us if a dark hour is before us, if the time will come when the stormy winds will be so fierce that many will cry out in fear and trembling. R3325:4
Compare comments on Psa. 46:1, 2
Of wind – The Sea of Galilee is quite subject to wind storms. R3324:2
Funnelled through profound ravines and wide gorges from the surrounding plateaus. R3324:2*
Beat into the ship – If our faith be strong enough under such circumstances, we would keep on with our proper endeavors to adjust matters, corresponding to the bailing of the boat and the working of the oars; but also maintain an implicit faith that "all things work together for our good." R3324:6
|
| 38 And *he* was in the stern sleeping on the cushion. And they awake him up and say to him, Teacher, dost thou not care that we are perishing? |
Asleep on a pillow – Evidently thoroughly exhausted from the labors of his journey and ministry. R3324:3
The Lord's providence had something to do with this prolonged sleep, in order to put the faith of the disciples to the test. R3324:3
It has seemed to the Church at times as though the Lord were asleep, inattentive to the prayers of his faithful, and inattentive to their cries and groans. R3325:1
They awake him – Whoever can, by the exercise of his faith, take hold upon the Lord will find a great peace, a great calm come into his heart and into all of his affairs. R5058:6
Carest thou not that we perish? – We are to cry for the Lord's help that we may be overcomers of the storms within us, of passion, anger, resentment. R5239:5
In the day of wrath the cry of the people will much resemble the cry of the apostles. R5823:6
The slightly different accounts given by Matthew, Mark, and Luke are all correct. One disciple cried out in one way and others in different words. R3324:3
|
| 39 And awaking up he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Silence; be mute.
And the wind fell, and there was a great calm. |
Said unto the sea – Representing the restless, turbulent, dissatisfied masses of the world. A318
Peace, be still – Same Greek word used by our Lord to the demon, suggesting the storm was the work of Satan. ( Mark 1:25) R3324:4
He who declined to ask the heavenly power for angelic protection (Matt. 26:53), was perfectly at liberty to call upon these powers in the interests of his followers. F650
Illustrating the manner in which the day of trouble will end. A171; R5767:4; OV228:3
When the people cry to the Lord from the depth of their hearts, he will be ready to deliver them. R5823:6
Will come through Messiah's Kingdom speaking thus. R5601:2
This great storm will be much greater before the Lord will step in and say, Peace. R5696:1
The wind ceased – Our Lord's ministry is supposed to have covered two years at the time of this miracle. R3324:1
There was a great calm – "He maketh the storm a calm." (Psa. 107:29) R3324:1
A picture of the great rest from the evil one for a thousand years. R3325:4
The wind might naturally suddenly stop, but waters, thus lashed to a fury, could not be calmed thus quickly except by superhuman power. R3324:4
Yet he declined to ask the heavenly power for angelic protection in Gethsemane. (Matt. 26:53) F650
In the storms of life whoever can by faith take hold upon the Lord will find a great peace and calm come into his heart and all his affairs. R5058:3,6
|
| 40 And he said to them, Why are ye thus fearful? how is it ye have not faith?
|
So fearful – We cannot enjoy the sufferings, but we can enjoy the thought which faith attaches to them, namely, that these are but light afflictions working out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. R3325:1
Ye have no faith – "Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Heb. 11:6) "According to thy faith be it unto thee." (Matt. 9:29) "All things are possible to him that believeth." ( Mark 9:23) R3324:6
Has your faith not yet developed to such a degree that you can fully trust me? R3324:5
We also have need of faith and need of tests to our faith. R3324:5
As lesson after lesson comes to us, the Master will expect, and we should expect of ourselves, greater faith, greater trust, greater peace. R3325:1
|
| 41 And they feared with great fear, and said one to another, Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? |
What manner of man – The experience was a valuable lesson showing the wonderful power of God exerted through their Master; and the same lesson is for us. R5058:3
|