Matthew 13 is such an interesting chapter that feels like reading a mini collection of short stories. I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but it even reads like watching a mini-series on Netflix, binging your favorite podcast episodes, or listening to my Dad tell tales of his yesteryears. There is just something remarkable about the way Jesus used storytelling to explain the mysteries of heaven to people that were – at the time – unfamiliar with His message. Paul echoed this way of reaching people in his first letter to the Corinthians in chapter 9:20-23 where He explained the use of his freedom by intentionally being a Jew to the Jews, to the weak he became weak so as to win as many souls as possible. Beyond the rich lessons of the parables, there is a lot to learn here about being available to meet people where they are. Jesus showed us through the simplicity of the parables and His other actions throughout the gospels that we have a greater opportunity to reach others when we humble ourselves to serve them where they are at on their journey.
We will also learn through the parable of the sower that it’s equally as important in our growth, to not take for granted the simplicity of the parables (or even the Bible as a whole) as just a collection of stories that we read on a day or time of day. The word is alive, active, and critical to living to the fullest of our every day – no matter how simple, unclear, or even familiar we have become with it.
Even during times when you feel that you are not gleaning from the word as you did want to, press in prayer and lean on the Holy Spirit to give you clarity and freshness of the word just in the same way the disciples asked Jesus on the meaning of some of the parables after sharing them. Yes! You can do that too. We do not serve a High Priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). We all have a tendency to lean on our own understanding – He understands that, so give Him permission to let His light of clarity shine in you to edify you; likewise let your light shine for others where they are so they can as well be edified.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask for your forgiveness in every way I may have hindered you from allowing your word to be planted and rooted in my heart. I give your Holy Spirit permission for your fresh word to gain permanent ground in my heart and I give you the room to continually grow so that I can as well be a readily available vessel for your glory – to sow your word in the hearts of other people.
