The growing of plants- not all about you- 4:26...

4:26-
The sower sows and things grow and he has no idea how- “the earth produces of itself” - the greek is 'automater' – produces is 'karpoferew'- bears fruit. And Jesus says this is what the kingdom of God is like – a man who sows and then stuff happens of its own accord- while night follows day. But not withstanding this mystery, when he sees the crop is right, he goes in with the sickle- because the harvest has come.

what's it coming after- what are the hearers hearing- why does Jesus express it like this?

It comes after parables that put a bit of an emphasis on the person's action- you are light- you should make sure you shine- Be like good soil and produce abundantly. This parable seems to highlight the work of the Holy Spirit- Seed is sown, and the farmer goes away, and then by this mysterious process he does not understand, the seed grows into a plant. Man's action and God's action- there is a mysterious interaction there- The spirit is up to things in peoples lives- drawing, conjoling, illuminating- and that can lead to beautiful moments of redemption and redeemed lives.

I would think for many of the hearers this would have gone over their heads.

And why- That's a much harder question- although Jesus has already given an answer to that. In this particular case- I'm not sure- He's giving a whole lot of pictures or similes of what the kingdom of God is like (rule of God)- without being too clear- but wanting to provoke curiosity- And perhaps here's a big part of the why- Jesus wants us to know- he is keen that his hearers get a handle on reality- that they are let in on something he sees clearly- experiences and dispenses? This is the best thing ever- the most solid, enduring and good thing there is- I want you to know this. Probably need to keep this in mind when thinking about the Isaiah quote a bit earlier in this chapter. He is saying these things, but he is here on earth as a man saying these things. In a year or two he is going to die for those who will not turn and be forgiven as well as those who will. And the Fathers joy when one of these recalcitrant slow witted rebels 'turns' is massive. ... “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

We're living in an area where there could be a lot of joy if people repented. I don't have a huge idea about how to enter their worlds- or how I could connect to inspire such a change- but there's a mystery there like a seed growing into a plant- where I can go about my day and then go to sleep- And if it could be effected that brings the God/ man whom I serve great joy. Sounds like a good thing to be part of.