Study 9
Why isn't everyone a Christian?
Most people would boast about having huge crowds following and admiring them but not Jesus; "for He knew what was in a man" (John 2:25). . The questions of yesterday still remain. How can religious experts so totally misunderstand him? How does his own family get it so wrong? Why, when crowds in this incident and in the world today hear the truth preached, do they respond so differently? Jesus explains the answers to these questions by using a parable. A parable is a story placed alongside a truth to enable us to see more of that truth - a little like adverts often have stories in them to help us understand more fully the product - except of course that Jesus is telling the truth! But before we look at this parable we must try and work out why Jesus spoke in this particular way - which to some was so confusing.
Listening
"Listen" He says in verse 3 and again in verse 9 to emphasise the point. People were crowding around him to see miracles or to see what was in it for them but not really listening. Verse 10 reveals that those who asked received an answer whereas others never asked and therefore never understood. Understanding does not require intellect or intelligence; (1 Corinthians 2:5), but on a genuine seeking after the truth. If we want to understand Jesus will reveal the truth to us. “ Ask and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7).
Meaning
So what does this parable mean? The seed is God's word and the farmer is the preacher of that word. Those who listen to God's word fall into four categories.
- Verses 4 & 15. There are those who close their hard hearts. As soon as the word is preached distracting thoughts come from Satan and the word is taken away.
- Verses 5, 6 & 16,17. There are those with shallow hearts. They are moved emotionally and accept the gospel but when required to count the cost of being a Christian their emotions change and they do not want Christ any more.
- Verses 7 & 18, 19. There are those with crowded hearts. They want Christ but worry about problems instead of trusting God who knows all their needs. They are fooled by money which promises happiness but never gives it. They want Christ but they want other things more.
- Verses 8 & 20. Finally there are those who listen to the word and as a result live fruitful lives. The truth about Jesus has changed their lives. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5v17). The fruit they bear is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control" (Galatians 5:22).
Which group are you in?
Time to think
- How should you listen to God’s word?
- Which of the 4 categories are you in at the moment?
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