Jesus’ ministry

From Galilee to Jerusalem.

All journeys

Illustrated map of Galilee, with the Sea of Galilee and its surrounding hills and villages.

GALILEE SEA OF
GALILEE Jordan River Jordan River Chorazin Magdala Tiberias Nazareth

04 Around Galilee

Dotted line: illustrative connectionMap preview · locations approximate

CHAPTER 04 OF 06

Illustrative map · locations approximate

Beside the lake

Galilee · Parables and the crowds

Crowds gather by the lake. Jesus teaches from a boat, telling stories of seeds, soil, and a growing harvest. Familiar things become invitations to listen and understand.

Mark 4:1–20

You might be wondering...

Why did Jesus teach in parables?

Parables use familiar scenes to invite attention and reflection. In Mark 4, Jesus calls listeners to hear carefully and explains the sower to his followers, showing that understanding involves more than hearing a story once.

Why teach from a boat?

Mark describes such a large crowd gathering at the shore that Jesus gets into a boat and sits there to teach, while the people remain on the land beside the lake.