In the first parallel was he the seed sown on various kinds of ground? In the second parable was he the one seed, sown all over the earth, which springs up, and bears fruit in individuals – just him and the individual alone? No other outside agency contributing to its gestation, growth and fruitfulness.
But what about these “birds of the air” which are able to (have the power to) make “nests in its shade”? In the first parallel, it was the “birds of the air” which came and devoured the seed scattered on the path, so much so that those represented by the path never received the word spoken to them. See pages 12 and 13.
Are these “birds of the air”, in this third parallel therefore, people who “devour” the seed that is Jesus himself - take him away from others - whilst appearing to be part and parcel of Christianity? The words translated “can make nests” are, in the literal original Greek, “able to rest” under its shade. Who are these people – in reality and not in the parallel?
With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
Wouldn’t it have been great to have been among these disciples…..
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