Parable of the Growing Seed

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The Parable of the Growing Seed is a parable found in the Gospel of Mark ([Mark 4:26-29]) and partly in that of Thomas ([Thomas 21d]). Its fragmentary presence in Thomas makes it plausible for it to have ultimately derived from the Q Gospel, though it is unusual for it not to also be present in either the Gospel of Matthew or that of Luke.

In the parable, Jesus is described as arguing that one scatters seeds on the ground, they sprout and grow, but, before the science of botany developed, it was unknown how they did so. Yet, although no heed is paid to their actual growth, unless modern scientific farming is involved, as soon as the grain ripen it is cut down, because the harvest has come. The Gospel of Thomas only contains the last part of this - the cutting down - the initial part is only implied. .

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Most scholars interpret the parable as meaning that one cannot, and should not try to, understand the process of spiritual growth, any more than other obscure and complex processes, though the end results themselves are rewarding. Most Evangelical Christians have similar opinions, but additionally interpret the parable in a similar manner to Dr R.A. Cole (in New Bible Commentary) - that one need not understand spiritual growth in order to share it

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