Matthew 13:18-23…“But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” vs. 23
We don’t know if Jesus was thinking of himself as he told the parable of the sower, but it is likely that the story reflected his experience in the course of his teaching ministry. And his point in telling the story to his disciples was to provide encouragement. He doesn’t want them to get discouraged by the mixed response to the preaching of the word.
And when we think of it, the parable really is hopeful. The seed that fell on good soil yielded a harvest that was far beyond expectations. And that’s exactly what happened after the resurrection of Jesus when preachers began to proclaim the good news all over the Roman Empire. Not everyone welcomed or even understood the message, but before long there were pockets of believers from Spain to India, and thousands of people from every tribe and nation were incorporated into the Body of Christ.
That’s important for us to remember in our little communities of faith. Sometimes we get obsessed by numbers and wonder why our evangelism isn’t more effective. Instead of worrying about such nonsense we should focus on the soil, and be sure that all the basic nutrients are being provided. Jesus promises that where there is good soil, there will also be fruit in abundance.
Thought for the Day: What kind of soil is present in my congregation?
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