“Hæc omnia locutus est Jesus in parabolis ad turbas : et sine parabolis non loquebatur eis :”
“All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:”
“Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable.”
“Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, he didn’t speak to them,”
“All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them:”
Verses 31-35 The scope of the parable of the seed sown, is to show that the beginnings of the gospel would be small, but its latter end would greatly increase; in this way the work of grace in the heart, the kingdom of God within us, would be carried on. In the soul where grace truly is, it will grow really; though perhaps at first not to be discerned, it will at last come to great strength and usefulness. The preaching of the gospel works like leaven in the hearts of those who receive it. The leaven works certainly, so does the word, yet gradually. It works silently, and without being seen, ( Mark 4:26-29 ) , yet strongly; without noise, for so is the way of the Spirit, but without fail. Thus it was in the world. The apostles, by preaching the gospel, hid a handful of leaven in the great mass of mankind. It was made powerful by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, who works, and none can hinder. Thus it is in the heart. When the gospel comes into the soul, it works a thorough change; it spreads itself into all the powers and faculties of the soul, and alters the property even of the members of the body, ( Romans 6:13 ) . From these parables we are taught to expect a gradual progress; therefore let us inquire, Are we growing in grace? and in holy principles and habits?