Each and every one of us experiences storms in life. Some are summer showers, torrential but brief. Others are hurricanes, deadly and seemingly endless. Using an actual storm, Jesus teaches his disciples a very important lesson.

Another important topic for Jesus was the Kingdom of God, which his messiahship ushers in. In this sermon I look at a few parables concerning the Kingdom and what it means to be a citizen of the heavenly realm.

Mark the Evangelist utilized a literary technique called interpolation, which Bible scholars call the “Markan Sandwich.” This particular sandwich highlights the importance of preparedness for and acceptance of the Gospel through the Parable of the Sower and the Soil.

Even amongst secular circles, Jesus is well known for his parables. These quick, little stories often carry heavy meanings. Drawing on the so-called “Markan Sandwich,” in this sermon I look at the reason Jesus gives for teaching in parables.