Jesus Through The Eyes of a Fisherman
Mark 4:14-20 NLT
The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. 15 The seed that fell on
the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come
at once and take it away. 16 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who
hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 17 But since they don’t
have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have
problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 18 The seed that fell
among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, 19 but all too quickly
the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the
desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. 20 And the seed that fell on good
soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of
thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Jesus’ Four Types of Hearts
1. The Hard Heart towards Jesus
2. The Joyful but Shallow Heart
3. The Too Distracted for Jesus Heart
4. The Fruitful Heart
Mark 4:17 NLT
But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon
as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
John 6:60, 66 (NLT)
Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone
accept it?” 66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him.
Matthew 6:34 (NLT)
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s
trouble is enough for today.
Warren Wiersbe
The shallow heart is like thin soil on a rock, very typical to Palestine. Since there
is no depth, whatever is planted cannot last because it has no roots. This
represents the “emotional hearer” who joyfully accepts God’s Word but does not
really understand the price that must be paid to become a genuine Christian.
There may be great enthusiasm for several days or weeks, but when persecution
and difficulties begin, the enthusiasm wanes and the joy disappears.
1. When troubles come, go immediately to the Father.
Psalms 34:4-6 (NLT)
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will
darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened;
he saved me from all my troubles.
Psalms 34:17-19 (NLT)
The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them
from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues
those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the LORD comes to the rescue each time.
John 16:33 (NLT)
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will
have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the
world.”
2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are
troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2. As you continue to walk with The Lord through tough times, your faith will grow
deeper roots in Him.
Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to
follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.
Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will
overflow with thankfulness.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)
“But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their
hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots
that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or
worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop
producing fruit.
Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT)
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner
strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as
you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
1. Read Mark 4:14-20. What’s the difference between the hard hearted soil and
the rocky shallow soil?
2. What makes the rocky shallow soil turn away from trusting in Jesus?
3. Read John 6:47-69. What difficult language was Jesus using that was
causing such misunderstanding? What amazing truth does Peter say?
4. In Matthew 6:34 What does Jesus say about tomorrow?
5. What encourages you in Psalms 34:4-6 and 17-19?
6. How does Jesus help believers? See John 16:33.
7. What does God do with our personal hurts and struggles to help the rest of
the body of Christ? 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)
8. In Colossians 2:6-7, what “must” we continue to do? What two things are we
to “let” happen? If we do these three things commands, what will grow and
what will we overflow with?
9. In Jeremiah 17:7-8, what positive results come from trusting in The Father?
10. The parable said the shallow soil quickly left the faith when struggles arose.
In Ephesians 3:16-17, what does God give us from His unlimited resources?
