In addition to the New International Version of the Bible (2011, Biblica), the following resources were used to help write this sermon: James Montgomery Boice, The Parables of Jesus, pp. 13-20; Joel C. Gregory, The Kingdom Will Come, www.gregoryministries.com; William Hendriksen, The Gospel of Mark in the New Testament Commentary, pp. 147-60, 166-70; R. Kent Hughes, Mark, Volume One in the Preaching the Word Commentary, pp. 103-09; Simon Kistemaker, The Parables, pp. 30-40, 51-53; Lamar Williamson, Jr., Mark in the Interpretation Commentary, pp. 89-95, 97-99.