Matthew 13:1-4, 18-19
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up…”
(18-19) “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path.”
Reflection
Jesus says that the seed that was sown along the path and was eaten by the birds represents a heart that does not understand. The words of the gospel are not clear to a person and the enemy, Satan, steals away the good news that has been sown.
If you are thinking what I am thinking you are probably saying, “How is a lack of understanding the fault of the hearer?” As I think about it a lack of understanding can be caused by two things: 1. A lack of capability to understand. 2. No effort to try to understand. I don’t believe God will ever hold someone responsible for not understanding that which they are not capable to understand. However, if our lack of understanding is simply because we give no effort to understand that is a very different matter, indeed. We should always do everything that we can to try to understand and as we do the Holy Spirit will assist us in that understanding.
I wonder how many times I have come across something in God’s word that seemed like a mystery to me and instead of digging in and trying to discover the meaning I just went on to something that was easier to understand. Have you ever found yourself doing that? We must always remain open to a deeper understanding of Jesus’ gospel message.
So, when we look for those who are receptive to the gospel we need to look for those who are curious and are ready and willing to dig deep and discover, with the help of the Holy Spirit, the true meaning of Jesus’ call to discipleship.
Is your heart open to new understandings of the gospel?
Do you know someone who is willing to dig deep to find the treasure that Jesus offers? That person is probably receptive to being discipled for Jesus.
