Markus 4:31

4:31 It is like a mustard seed ¹  that when sown in the ground, even though it is the smallest of all the seeds in the ground –

Markus 11:13

11:13 After noticing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he went to see if he could find any fruit ²  on it. When he came to it he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.

Markus 8:35

8:35 For whoever wants to save his life ³  will lose it, ⁴  but whoever loses his life for my sake and for the gospel will save it.

[4:31]  ¹ sn Mustard seeds are known for their tiny size.

[11:13]  ² tn Grk “anything.”

[8:35]  ³ tn Or “soul” (throughout vv. 35-37).

[8:35]  ⁴ sn The point of the saying whoever wants to save his life will lose it is that if one comes to Jesus then rejection by many will certainly follow. If self-protection is a key motivation, then one will not respond to Jesus and will not be saved. One who is willing to risk rejection will respond and find true life.