4:1–9 This passage begins a longer section dealing with the parables that runs through 4:34. Careful reading shows, however, that the passage is not only about parables but also about the necessity for the Twelve to understand the parables and their difficulty in doing so. Note that this parable is given an explanation in 4:13–20, something not done for most of the parables in the Gospels. Though Mark says (4:34) that Jesus explained other parables to the disciples, this one is the only parable for which Mark records an explanation. This, plus the fact that this parable heads the list here, suggests that it has special significance and is perhaps the chief representative parable for Mark.

We will be able to discuss in more detail the meaning of the parable when we look at the explanation …