Slices
Prepare
Imagine that you are in the crowd listening to Jesus. Are you at the front, eager to hear, or near the back, still not convinced?
Bible passage
The parable of the sower
13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.’
Explore
Jesus is becoming a divisive figure. His words and actions have brought a following, but in Matthew 12 they have also brought criticism. He has come announcing the arrival of the long‑expected kingdom of heaven (Matthew 4:17). Not everyone accepts his message but so many come to hear him when he sits on the lakeside (sitting was the traditional posture for a teacher) that he has to get into a boat (v 2). There are coves in the area which would make a natural amphitheatre, ideal for addressing a large crowd.
We come to the detailed interpretation of the parable tomorrow, but the sight of someone scattering seeds would be familiar to everyone at that time. Anyone who has done any gardening knows that results can never be guaranteed. At times though, the results can be spectacular. Many of the people who hear Jesus’ message of the kingdom reject it, but from those who receive it the good news spreads around the world.
If you have ever felt discouraged by the lack of response to your efforts to share the gospel, remember that when the seed lands on good soil it will produce fruit (v 8)
Respond
Thank God for the people who sowed the good news of Jesus in your life. Pray for individuals you know who hear the kingdom message, that it might take root and bear fruit in their lives.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Job 18,19; Luke 19
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for the thousands of children and young people with whom Wayne has shared Jesus over the decades. Ask God to give them continued opportunities to explore faith, respond and grow in their understanding. This week's prayer relate to this article.
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