The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. Matthew 13:5–7
Jesus is also telling us that there are different ways in which the gospel of the kingdom can be rendered ineffective. Some hear it and reject it immediately. Others hear it and receive it with great emotion; but when they are tested by persecution they fall away.
Others embrace it but are soon distracted both by legitimate cares and by illicit pleasures. The kingdom may have appeared in the person of the King, but we can be sure that many will fail to yield to the King’s authority. 1
Personal Encouragement
Jesus saved us by His grace, now He wants us to graciously serve Him. The way we serve Him is the way we discover the soil of our heart. Does your heart need more seeds, or more rototiller work?
Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37–38
The soil of our hearts will reveal the type of harvest we can expect.
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for answering the many prayers for more workers.
1. Campbell, I. D. (2008). Opening up Matthew. Leominster: Day One Publications.
