What is a parable? Are there rules to how we interpret them?

We see 3 parables, all about seeds! How are they the same and different?

While Mark emphasizes Jesus’ miracles, His teachings are paramount and powerful. What are the main lessons here?

Who/what do each of the nouns represent in the 1st parable? The Sower, Seed, Soils, Birds, sun, thorns…?

Jesus’ parables are clearly relevant and cultural, the people connected with them, does this say something?

As always, what are the applications for you and I?

Are there Old Testament stories/verses that are similar?

What do the reaping’s teach us?

Mark 4:27 “the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how” reminds us of what?

Then Jesus emphasizes the sickle and the harvest! What is He saying? Who is the Reaper? Revelation 14:14-20

Finally, Jesus uses a mustard seed as a potent message, but of what? Matthew 13:32

When else does He use the mustard seed to teach us? Luke 17:6 (1-10)

Mark 4:34 So why did Jesus somewhat obscure His teaching?

So what is the secret of the kingdom?