Matthew 13:1-9
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake.
2 But so many crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach.
3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A planter went out planting.
4 And as he planted, some seeds fell along the footpath, and the birds came and ate them.
5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they did not have deep soil,
6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they dried up.
7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them out.
8 Other seeds fell on good soil and gave fruit, some a hundred, some sixty, some thirty.
9 The one who has ears must listen.”
_________________________________________
interested or committed?
Jesus continues to highlight the difference between the interested crowds, and the committed disciples. He sees many crowds gathering around him, and gets into a small boat, and preaches to them all. Yet, he knows that some are there simply because they are interested in the spectacle of his presence. These are there with ears on, but they are not really ready to listen. They might even accept what Jesus has to say – now – but when the challenges of culture and family come, they will renounce it. They might agree with his words now, but other words will come later and choke them out.
The true disciples are those who are committed to stay with the gospel until the Holy Spirit produces fruit in their lives. These will make more disciples as well. Harvest requires investment, patience. It takes time.
LORD, forgive us just being interested. Give us the wisdom and courage to stay put in your gospel until your Holy Spirit produces a crop within us, and leads others to you through us.
