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Select an Ellen White book from the sidebar to see each passage mapped to the Bible verses it amplifies, cites, or echoes.

Chapter 4
Mark 4:1-20 "And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred."
Direct citation 97% COL 33
"Chapter 2—“The Sower Went Forth to Sow” This chapter is based on Matthew 13:1-9 ; Matthew 13:18-23 ; Mark 4:1-20 ; Luke 8:4-15 . The Sower and the Seed COL 33 By the parable of the sower, Christ illustrates the things of the kingdom of heaven, and the work of the great Husbandman for His people. Like a sower in the field, He came to scatter the heavenly grain of truth. And His parable teaching itself was the seed with which the most precious truths of His grace were sown. Because of its simplicity the parable of the sower has not been valued as it should be. From the natural seed cast into the soil, Christ desires to lead our minds to the gospel seed, the sowing of which results in bringing man back to his loyalty to God. He who gave the parable of the tiny seed is the Sovereign of heaven, and the same laws that govern earthly seed sowing govern the sowing of the seeds of truth. COL 33"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:1-20 in this passage.
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Related principle 95% COL 56
"Preparation of the Soil Throughout the parable of the sower, Christ represents the different results of the sowing as depending upon the soil. In every case the sower and the seed are the same. Thus He teaches that if the word of God fails of accomplishing its work in our hearts and lives, the reason is to be found in ourselves. But the result is not beyond our control. True, we cannot change ourselves; but the power of choice is ours, and it rests with us to determine what we will become. The wayside, the stony-ground, the thorny-ground hearers need not remain such. The Spirit of God is ever seeking to break the spell of infatuation that holds men absorbed in worldly things, and to awaken a desire for the imperishable treasure. It is by resisting the Spirit that men become inattentive to or neglectful of God's word. They are themselves responsible for the hardness of heart that prevents the good seed from taking root, and for the evil growths that check its development. COL 56"
EGW's passage is a clear exposition and application of the parable of the sower found in Mark 4.
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Mark 4:2 "And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,"
Related principle 70% SC 85.2
"Our Saviour bound up His precious lessons with the things of nature. The trees, the birds, the flowers of the valleys, the hills, the lakes, and the beautiful heavens, as well as the incidents and surroundings of daily life, were all linked with the words of truth, that His lessons might thus be often recalled to mind, even amid the busy cares of man's life of toil. SC 85.2"
While Mark 4:2 speaks of teaching by parables, the EGW passage elaborates on the *content* of those parables being drawn from nature. It's a parallel theme, not a direct principle.
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Mark 4:3 "Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:"
Direct citation 100% COL 33
"Chapter 2—“The Sower Went Forth to Sow” This chapter is based on Matthew 13:1-9 ; Matthew 13:18-23 ; Mark 4:1-20 ; Luke 8:4-15 . The Sower and the Seed COL 33 By the parable of the sower, Christ illustrates the things of the kingdom of heaven, and the work of the great Husbandman for His people. Like a sower in the field, He came to scatter the heavenly grain of truth. And His parable teaching itself was the seed with which the most precious truths of His grace were sown. Because of its simplicity the parable of the sower has not been valued as it should be. From the natural seed cast into the soil, Christ desires to lead our minds to the gospel seed, the sowing of which results in bringing man back to his loyalty to God. He who gave the parable of the tiny seed is the Sovereign of heaven, and the same laws that govern earthly seed sowing govern the sowing of the seeds of truth. COL 33"
EGW explicitly states that the chapter is based on Mark 4:1-20 and other passages, and the text directly references the parable of the sower. The verse quoted is a clear example of this.
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Mark 4:4 "And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up."
Direct citation 99% COL 34.3
"“Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them” (R.V.); “some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.” COL 34.3"
The EGW passage directly quotes Mark 4:4, making it an explicit allusion.
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Mark 4:10 "And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable."
Related principle 90% COL 35.2
"The Pharisees perceived the meaning of Christ's parable, but to them its lesson was unwelcome. They affected not to understand it. To the multitude it involved in still greater mystery the purpose of the new teacher, whose words had so strangely moved their hearts and so bitterly disappointed their ambitions. The disciples themselves had not understood the parable, but their interest was awakened. They came to Jesus privately and asked for an explanation. COL 35.2"
Similar to the previous pair, both passages describe the disciples asking Jesus about a parable in private. Mark 4:10 provides a more specific detail about the setting, but the core idea is the same.
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Mark 4:14 "The sower soweth the word."
Related principle 80% DA 276.2
"The Pharisees would not consider that Jesus was eating with publicans and sinners in order to bring the light of heaven to those who sat in darkness. They would not see that every word dropped by the divine Teacher was a living seed that would germinate and bear fruit to the glory of God. They had determined not to accept the light; and although they had opposed the mission of the Baptist, they were now ready to court the friendship of his disciples, hoping to secure their co-operation against Jesus. They represented that Jesus was setting at nought the ancient traditions; and they contrasted the austere piety of the Baptist with the course of Jesus in feasting with publicans and sinners. DA 276.2"
The EGW passage uses the metaphor of 'living seed' to describe Jesus' words, which directly echoes the parable of the sower in Mark 4:14, where the word is likened to seed. The connection is clear and meaningful.
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Mark 4:19 "And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful."
Direct citation 95% COL 53.2
"“And the lusts of other things.” These are not necessarily things sinful in themselves, but something that is made first instead of the kingdom of God. Whatever attracts the mind from God, whatever draws the affections away from Christ, is an enemy to the soul. COL 53.2"
EGW directly quotes and expands upon the phrase "the lusts of other things" from Mark 4:19, providing further explanation of its meaning and impact.
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Direct citation 95% COL 51.1
"Christ specified the things that are dangerous to the soul. As recorded by Mark He mentions the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things. Luke specifies the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life. These are what choke the word, the growing spiritual seed. The soul ceases to draw nourishment from Christ, and spirituality dies out of the heart. COL 51.1"
EGW directly references Mark 4:19 and Luke's parallel account, specifying the 'cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things' as dangers to the soul that choke the word. This is a clear and intentional allusion.
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Mark 4:21 "And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?"
Direct citation 95% 1T 631.3
"But I have finally decided that many of these personal testimonies should be published, as they all contain more or less reproof and instruction which apply to hundreds or thousands of others in similar condition. These should have the light which God has seen fit to give which meets their cases. It is a wrong to shut it away from them by sending it to one person or to one place, where it is kept as a light under a bushel. My convictions of duty on this point have been greatly strengthened by the following dream: 1T 631.3"
EGW directly alludes to the concept of a "candle under a bushel" as presented in Mark 4:21. The context of hiding light is also present.
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Mark 4:26 "And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;"
Direct citation 99% COL 62.2
"“And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” COL 62.2"
EGW directly quotes Mark 4:26.
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Mark 4:26-28 "And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear."
Direct citation 97% Ed 104.2
"herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:26-28 . Ed 104.2"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:26-28 in this passage.
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Direct citation 97% CT 140.2
"One of Christ's most beautiful and impressive parables is that of the sower and the seed. “So is the kingdom of God,” He said, “as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:26-28 .... He who gave this parable, Himself created the tiny seed, gave it its vital properties, and ordained the laws that should govern its growth; and He made it a living illustration of truth in both the natural and the spiritual world. CT 140.2"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:26-28 in this passage.
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Mark 4:26-29 "And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."
Direct citation 97% COL 62
"Chapter 3—“First the Blade, Then the Ear” This chapter is based on Mark 4:26-29 . The parable of the sower excited much questioning. Some of the hearers gathered from it that Christ was not to establish an earthly kingdom, and many were curious and perplexed. Seeing their perplexity, Christ used other illustrations, still seeking to turn their thoughts from the hope of a worldly kingdom to the work of God's grace in the soul. COL 62"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:26-29 in this passage.
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Mark 4:28 "For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear."
Direct citation 99% 6T 187.2
"Then let everything not essential to the work of the school be kept at a distance, that the sacredness of the place may not be disturbed through the proximity of families and buildings. Let the school stand alone. It will be better for private families, however devoted they may be in the service of the Lord, to be located at some distance from the school buildings. The school is the Lord's property, and the grounds about it are His farm, where the Great Sower can make His garden a lessonbook. The results of the labors will be seen, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28 . The land will yield its treasures, bringing the joyousness of an abundant harvest; and the produce gathered through the blessing of God is to be used as nature's lessonbook, from which spiritual lessons can be made plain and applied to the necessities of the soul. 6T 187.2"
The EGW passage directly quotes Mark 4:28, making it an explicit allusion. The context in EGW uses the agricultural process described in Mark to illustrate spiritual growth and learning.
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Direct citation 99% COL 62.2
"“And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” COL 62.2"
EGW directly quotes Mark 4:28.
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Direct citation 97% SC 67.3
As with life, so it is with growth. It is God who brings the bud to bloom and the flower to fruit. It is by His power that the seed develops, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28 . And the prophet Hosea says of Israel, that “he shall grow as the lily.” “They shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.” Hosea 14:5, 7 . And Jesus bids us “consider the lilies how they grow.” Luke 12:27 . The plants and flowers grow not by their own care or anxiety or effort, but by receiving that which God has furnished to minister to their life. The child cannot, by any anxiety or power of its own, add to its stature. No more can you, by anxiety or effort of yourself, secure spiritual growth. The plant, the child, grows by receiving from its surroundings that which ministers to its life—air, sunshine, and food. What these gifts of nature are to animal and plant, such is Christ to those who trust in Him. He is their “everlasting light,” “a sun and shield.” Is…
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:28 in this passage.
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Direct citation 97% Ed 106.2
"The wheat develops, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28 . The object of the husbandman in the sowing of the seed and the culture of the plant, is the production of grain—bread for the hungry, and seed for future harvests. So the divine Husbandman looks for a harvest. He is seeking to reproduce Himself in the hearts and lives of His followers, that through them He may be reproduced in other hearts and lives. Ed 106.2"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:28 in this passage.
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Direct citation 97% 8T 327
"A Lesson of Obedience God's laws for nature are obeyed by nature. Cloud and storm, sunshine and shower, dew and rain, all are under the supervision of God and yield obedience to His command. In obedience to the law of God the spire of grain bursts through the earth, “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28 . The fruit is first seen in the bud, and the Lord develops it in its proper season because it does not resist His working. So the birds fulfill God's purpose as they make their long migrations from land to land, guided through trackless space by the hand of infinite power. 8T 327"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:28 in this passage.
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Direct citation 97% CT 252.3
"In all your work you must do as the husbandman does in laboring for the fruits of the earth. Apparently he throws away the seed; but, buried in the soil, the seed germinates. The power of the living God gives it life and vitality, and there is seen “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” Mark 4:28 . Study this wonderful process. Oh, there is so much to learn, so much to understand! If we improve our minds to the utmost of our ability we shall through the eternal ages continue to study the ways and works of God, and to know more and more of Him. CT 252.3"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:28 in this passage.
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Direct citation 95% COL 67.1
"The wheat develops “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” The object of the husbandman in the sowing of the seed and the culture of the growing plant is the production of grain. He desires bread for the hungry, and seed for future harvests. So the divine Husbandman looks for a harvest as the reward of His labor and sacrifice. Christ is seeking to reproduce Himself in the hearts of men; and He does this through those who believe in Him. The object of the Christian life is fruit bearing—the reproduction of Christ's character in the believer, that it may be reproduced in others. COL 67.1"
EGW directly quotes and elaborates on the imagery of the growing plant from Mark 4:28, drawing a parallel between agricultural growth and spiritual development.
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Direct citation 95% COL 82.3
***** The gradual development of the plant from the seed is an object lesson in child training. There is “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” He who gave this parable created the tiny seed, gave it its vital properties, and ordained the laws that govern its growth. And the truths which the parable teaches were made a living reality in His own life. In both His physical and His spiritual nature He followed the divine order of growth illustrated by the plant, as He wishes all youth to do. Although He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time represented the helpless infant in its mother's care. In childhood He did the works of an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a child and not of a man, honoring His parents and carrying out their wishes in helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at each stage of His development He was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a sinless…
EGW directly quotes and elaborates on the parable of the growing seed from Mark 4:28, using it as an analogy for child training and spiritual development.
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Direct citation 95% LS 298.2
"“The work may now seem small; but there must be a beginning before there can be any progress. ‘First the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.’ The work may start in weakness, and its progress may for a time be slow; yet if it is commenced in a healthy manner, there will be a steady and substantial gain. [In confirmation of this, witness the development of the work in the Scandinavian Union Conference, at the close of 1914, to a membership of 3,807, divided into six local conferences and three missions.] A high standard should be placed before those who are newly come to the faith. They should be educated to be careful in speech and circumspect in conduct, giving evidence that the truth has accomplished something for them, and thus by their example shedding light upon those who are in darkness.... LS 298.2"
EGW directly quotes Mark 4:28 to illustrate the gradual growth and development of a work or movement.
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Mark 4:29 "But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come."
Direct citation 99% COL 62.2
"“And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” COL 62.2"
EGW directly quotes Mark 4:29.
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Direct citation 97% CT 144.1
"Christ concludes the parable: “But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:29 . When the harvest of the earth is reaped, we shall see the result of our toil; for we shall see those for whom we have labored and prayed gathered into the heavenly garner. So shall we enter into the joy of our Lord, when “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.” Isaiah 53:11 . — Special Testimonies On Education, 67-72 . CT 144.1"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:29 in this passage.
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Mark 4:30 "And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?"
Direct citation 97% AA 12.2
"“Whereunto,” asked Christ, “shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?” Mark 4:30 . He could not employ the kingdoms of the world as a similitude. In society He found nothing with which to compare it. Earthly kingdoms rule by the ascendancy of physical power; but from Christ's kingdom every carnal weapon, every instrument of coercion, is banished. This kingdom is to uplift and ennoble humanity. God's church is the court of holy life, filled with varied gifts and endowed with the Holy Spirit. The members are to find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and bless. AA 12.2"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:30 in this passage.
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Mark 4:30-32 "And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it."
Direct citation 97% COL 76
"Chapter 5—“Like a Grain of Mustard Seed” This chapter is based on Matthew 13:31, 32 ; Mark 4:30-32 ; Luke 13:18, 19 . In the multitude that listened to Christ's teaching there were many Pharisees. These noted contemptuously how few of His hearers acknowledged Him as the Messiah. And they questioned with themselves how this unpretending teacher could exalt Israel to universal dominion. Without riches, power, or honor, how was He to establish the new kingdom? Christ read their thoughts and answered them: COL 76"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:30-32 in this passage.
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Mark 4:33 "And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it."
Likely biblical basis 95% COL 21.1
"Again, Christ had truths to present which the people were unprepared to accept or even to understand. For this reason also He taught them in parables. By connecting His teaching with the scenes of life, experience, or nature, He secured their attention and impressed their hearts. Afterward, as they looked upon the objects that illustrated His lessons, they recalled the words of the divine Teacher. To minds that were open to the Holy Spirit, the significance of the Saviour's teaching unfolded more and more. Mysteries grew clear, and that which had been hard to grasp became evident. COL 21.1"
The EGW passage directly expands on the principle of Jesus teaching in parables so people could understand, as mentioned in Mark 4:33. It explains the *why* and *how* behind the verse.
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Related principle 90% DA 70.2
"possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life. DA 70.2"
Both passages discuss Jesus' use of parables in teaching. The EGW passage elaborates on how Jesus drew inspiration from nature for his parables, while Mark 4:33 simply states that he used many parables. The EGW passage amplifies the concept presented in Mark.
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Mark 4:34 "But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples."
Related principle 90% Ed 85.1
"Sometimes He taught them as they sat together on the mountainside, sometimes beside the sea, or from the fisherman's boat, sometimes as they walked by the way. Whenever He spoke to the multitude, the disciples formed the inner circle. They pressed close beside Him, that they might lose nothing of His instruction. They were attentive listeners, eager to understand the truths they were to teach in all lands and to all ages. Ed 85.1"
EGW describes Jesus teaching his disciples in various settings and then privately explaining things to them, which aligns with the general idea presented in Mark 4:34. It's not a direct quote, but a clear thematic parallel.
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Related principle 85% AA 17.2
For three years and a half the disciples were under the instruction of the greatest Teacher the world has ever known. By personal contact and association, Christ trained them for His service. Day by day they walked and talked with Him, hearing His words of cheer to the weary and heavy-laden, and seeing the manifestation of His power in behalf of the sick and the afflicted. Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the mountainside; sometimes beside the sea or walking by the way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Wherever hearts were open to receive the divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did not command the disciples to do this or that, but said, “Follow Me.” On His journeys through country and cities, He took them with Him, that they might see how He taught the people. They traveled with Him from place to place. They shared His frugal fare, and like Him were sometimes hungry and often weary. On the crowded streets, by the lakeside, i…
Both passages describe Jesus teaching his disciples, with Mark 4:34 specifically mentioning his private explanations to them, which aligns with EGW's description of Christ revealing mysteries to them.
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Mark 4:35-41 "And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
Direct citation 97% DA 333
"Chapter 35—“Peace, Be Still” This chapter is based on Matthew 8:23-34 ; Mark 4:35-41 ; Mark 5:1-20 ; Luke 8:22-39 . It had been an eventful day in the life of Jesus. Beside the Sea of Galilee He had spoken His first parables, by familiar illustrations again explaining to the people the nature of His kingdom and the manner in which it was to be established. He had likened His own work to that of the sower; the development of His kingdom to the growth of the mustard seed and the effect of leaven in the measure of meal. The great final separation of the righteous and the wicked He had pictured in the parables of the wheat and tares and the fishing net. The exceeding preciousness of the truths He taught had been illustrated by the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, while in the parable of the householder He taught His disciples how they were to labor as His representatives. DA 333"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:35-41 in this passage.
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Mark 4:36 "And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships."
Direct citation 95% DA 334.1
"After He had dismissed the multitude, they took Him, even “as He was,” into the boat, and hastily set off. But they were not to depart alone. There were other fishing boats lying near the shore, and these were quickly crowded with people who followed Jesus, eager still to see and hear Him. DA 334.1"
EGW directly references and quotes Mark 4:36.
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Mark 4:38 "And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?"
Direct citation 99% DA 334.6
"Suddenly a flash of lightning pierces the darkness, and they see Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tumult. In amazement and despair they exclaim, “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” How can He rest so peacefully, while they are in danger and battling with death? DA 334.6"
EGW directly references and quotes Mark 4:38.
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Mark 4:39 "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."
Direct citation 95% DA 335.2
"Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. As the disciples grasp their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rises. He stands in the midst of His disciples, while the tempest rages, the waves break over them, and the lightning illuminates His countenance. He lifts His hand, so often employed in deeds of mercy, and says to the angry sea, “Peace, be still.” DA 335.2"
The EGW passage directly alludes to and expands upon Jesus's command to the sea in Mark 4:39.
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Related principle 90% DA 337.2
"The disciples and their companions fled in terror; but presently they noticed that Jesus was not with them, and they turned to look for Him. He was standing where they had left Him. He who had stilled the tempest, who had before met Satan and conquered him, did not flee before these demons. When the men, gnashing their teeth, and foaming at the mouth, approached Him, Jesus raised that hand which had beckoned the waves to rest, and the men could come no nearer. They stood raging but helpless before Him. DA 337.2"
Both passages highlight Jesus' power and authority over chaotic forces. The EGW passage draws a parallel between Jesus stilling the storm and his ability to subdue the demon-possessed men, referencing the event in Mark 4:39.
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Mark 4:40 "And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?"
Direct citation 97% DA 335.3
"The storm ceases. The billows sink to rest. The clouds roll away, and the stars shine forth. The boat rests upon a quiet sea. Then turning to His disciples, Jesus asks sorrowfully, “Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?” Mark 4:40 , R.V. DA 335.3"
Ellen White directly references Mark 4:40 in this passage.
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Related principle 80% GC 254.3
"John and Charles Wesley, after being ordained to the ministry, were sent on a mission to America. On board the ship was a company of Moravians. Violent storms were encountered on the passage, and John Wesley, brought face to face with death, felt that he had not the assurance of peace with God. The Germans, on the contrary, manifested a calmness and trust to which he was a stranger. GC 254.3"
The EGW passage describes Wesley's fear during a storm contrasted with the Moravians' faith. This parallels Jesus's question in Mark 4:40 about the disciples' lack of faith during a storm.
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