Markus 4:29

4:29 And when the grain is ripe, he sends in the sickle ¹  because the harvest has come.” ² 

Markus 10:22

10:22 But at this statement, the man ³  looked sad and went away sorrowful, for he was very rich. ⁴ 

Markus 13:13

13:13 You will be hated by everyone because of my name. ⁵  But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ⁶ 

[4:29]  ¹ tn The Greek word εὐθύς (euqus, often translated “immediately” or “right away”) has not been translated here. It sometimes occurs with a weakened, inferential use (BDAG 406 s.v. 2), not contributing significantly to the flow of the narrative. For further discussion, see R. J. Decker, Temporal Deixis of the Greek Verb in the Gospel of Mark with Reference to Verbal Aspect (SBG 10), 73-77.

[4:29]  ² sn Because the harvest has come. This parable is found only in Mark (cf. Matt 13:24-30) and presents a complete picture of the coming of God’s kingdom: (1) sowing; (2) growth; (3) harvest. Some understand the parable as a reference to evangelism. While this is certainly involved, it does not seem to be the central idea. In contrast to the parable of the sower which emphasizes the quality of the different soils, this parable emphasizes the power of the seed to cause growth (with the clear implication that the mysterious growth of the kingdom is accomplished by God), apart from human understanding and observation.

[10:22]  ³ tn Grk “he”; the referent (the man who asked the question in v. 17) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

[10:22]  ⁴ tn Grk “he had many possessions.” This term (κτῆμα, kthma) is often used for land as a possession.

[13:13]  ⁵ sn See 1 Cor 1:25-31.

[13:13]  ⁶ sn But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Jesus was not claiming here that salvation is by works, because he had already taught that it is by grace (cf. 10:15). He was simply arguing that genuine faith evidences itself in persistence through even the worst of trials.