[Footnote a: Observe that Jesus spoke these words just after the blasphemous accusation and on the same day (Matt. 13:1).] [Footnote b: Note here another brief parable of the lamp to enforce the lesson of the parable of the Sower. Preachers to-day sometimes tell one story to illustrate another.] (b) Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself Mark 4:26-29 26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast 27 seed upon the earth; and should sleep and rise night and day, and 28 the seed should spring up and grow, he knoweth not how. The earth [1]beareth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, then 29 the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit [2]is ripe, straightway he [3]putteth forth the sickle, because the harvest is come [_see Joel 3:13_]. [Footnote 1: Or, _yieldeth_.] [Footnote 2: Or, _alloweth_.] [Footnote 3: Or, _sendeth forth_.] (c) Parable of the Tares Matt. 13:24-30 24 Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven 25 is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed [1]tares also among the wheat, 26 and went away. But when the blade sprang up, and brought forth 27 fruit, then appeared the tares also. And the [2]servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good 28 seed in thy field? whence then hath it tares? And he said unto them, [3]An enemy hath done this. And the [2]servants say unto 29 him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he saith, Nay; lest haply while ye gather up the tares, ye root up the wheat 30 with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather up first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. [Footnote 1: Or, _darnel_.] [Footnote 2: Gr. _bondservants_.] [Footnote 3: Gr. _A man_ that is _an enemy_.] (d) Parable of the Mustard Seed