RS Gospel

Parable
A sower was spreading seeds on to a field. Some fell on the path, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where they first of all sprouted, but were scorched when the sun came up. Others fell among thorn bushes, which choked the plants and they didn't produce any corn. But some fell on good soil, and grew - some had thirty grains, some sixty, some a hundred!

"Listen, then, if you have ears!"

Meaning 

Sower - God
Seeds - God's message
Path - Satan takes the message away
Rocky ground - The message does not last long, due to persecution the person gives up
Thorn bushes - Worries of life such as riches and and desire choke the message, and they don't bear fruit
Good soil - They hear the message, accept it and bear fruit. 

Text
Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptised by John the Baptist. As Jesus stepped out of the water, the heavens were torn open and the holy spirit descended like a dove. A voice came, saying "You are my son, with who I am well pleased." The Spirit then made Jesus go into the desert, where he was tempted for 40 days by Satan. 
 
Meaning
• The heavens opening shows the presence of God, and an extraordinary event. 
• Dove is a symbol of peace, so Jesus experienced the peace of God in his heart.
• Voice from heaven - Mark wanted to avoid any hints that God might be human, but wanted to make it clear that Jesus was God's son.  

The beginning of the journey of Jesus, a turning point in his life.

Text
After John was put in prison, he went to Galilee and said "The right time has come, and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from all your sins and believe the good news!"
He saw two fishermen, Simon and Andrew, and said to them "Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people." They followed him at once. He did the same thing for James and John.

Meaning
The fishermen did not hesitate to follow Jesus - they followed him immediately, without question. Shows Jesus's authority and trustworthiness.