26 And He was saying , "The kingdom of God is like e a man who casts seed upon the soil ; 27 and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day , and the seed sprouts and grows -how , he himself does not know . 28 "The soil produces crops by itself ; first the blade , then the head , then the mature grain in the head . 29 "But when the crop permits , he immediately puts in the sickle , because the harvest has come ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 4:26-29
Commentary on Mark 4:21-34
(Read Mark 4:21-34)
These declarations were intended to call the attention of the disciples to the word of Christ. By his thus instructing them, they were made able to instruct others; as candles are lighted, not to be covered, but to be placed on a candlestick, that they may give light to a room. This parable of the good seed, shows the manner in which the kingdom of God makes progress in the world. Let but the word of Christ have the place it ought to have in a soul, and it will show itself in a good conversation. It grows gradually: first the blade; then the ear; after that the full corn in the ear. When it is sprung up, it will go forward. The work of grace in the soul is, at first, but the day of small things; yet it has mighty products even now, while it is in its growth; but what will there be when it is perfected in heaven!