How does it feel to be
part of the select group? Or the “in” crowd? Pretty good, huh? Maybe it makes
us feel important, maybe like we've made it to the top – that 1% versus the
99%. Unlike cliques and closed-off inner circles though (including those groups
which state they aren’t closed-off), is that what Jesus wanted? For his mission
and message to stop at a certain point with only those chosen to be
in-the-know?
While it seems the answer
to those last questions might be obvious, I also know some people who strongly
believe if you had your chance and didn’t accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and
Savior, then "Oh, well." Or also along the lines of “How could they
not know about Jesus with everything Christians do in the world?” Or "If
God didn’t deem you worthy enough to be a Christian, then tough luck" – as
though God made the choice from the very outset of our being (which some will whip
out a Biblical verse for proof).
How often are we (as
humans) gung-ho about winning someone to our side and when that particular
person just doesn’t understand or doesn’t readily jump on board, our frustration
and disappointment rears its ugly head? There may even be discord and bitter
words exchanged.
Jesus’ point in quoting
Isaiah in verse 12 of this passage isn’t to make a judgment. I don't believe
he's angry, irritated, bitter or exasperated. I think Jesus is actually arming
his own disciples with important information, because they'll eventually take the
mantle and spread the word -- to everyone.
As Norma pointed out
during the study, it’s a process of thinking. Jesus doesn’t want to provide us
with the ready answer(s). He wants us to exercise our brains – to think it
through – in addition to whatever we’re feeling.
On a roll, Norma
continued, “Jesus had faith in the community to critically think about what he
was saying. While they may have worked with their hands, he believed they could
also work with their minds.”
Isn't that what excellent
teachers do? They nudge you to insight, wanting you to make the discovery, the
truth – instead of force feeding it to you or just giving you the answer. How
long does that typically stick with you?
If Jesus was on a mission
to speak to those who “got it,” then he would’ve been one-and-done. One story and
gone. Yet he persisted in his teaching, in his outreach.
Continuing… have you ever
reached out to someone just mentioning "God", and the look you
received was eyes rolling upward or a shake of the head? Did you make a judgment
at that moment in time to say to yourself, “They don’t get it” or “I just don’t
understand why they aren’t on the God
Train” or something along those lines?
I make a mental note to do
my best to remember that where I am in my journey is definitely not where
others are. That’s not a judgment. That’s a reality. I can’t force what I’ve
learned and/or experienced through the years as a Christian on to someone who
hasn’t been to church, or has been hurt by the church, or is taking baby steps
as someone of faith, or has been raised differently, or….
What I must do is be open
and accepting. The person on the other side might be ready for what I have to
say. They might not.
What I must do is exhibit
patience. The person on the other side might want to learn more. They might
not.
Yet,… like Jesus, I have
to continue to live and tell the story. That’s my call – to show-and-tell.
Jesus does a recap in this
passage, and while I won’t review the story in its entirety, I do want to
mention this parable’s uplifting message.
When throwing the seeds
(the message), some lands here, there and yon. There is certainly intent of
wanting the seeds to be planted in soil that is open for growth and will accept
it. But at the end of the day, just because some of the seeds didn’t take root,
does that mean the mission was a failure?
Jesus’ point is… nothing
is wasted. Nothing. The labor of the farmer achieves results. Look at the
harvest. It’s beyond our imagination as that one seed grew one-hundred fold. 1
to 100.
The farmer returns to do
their work again, and again, and again.
With willingness and hope… with faith.
For our own growth, if we listen and receive (by being open), if we really take it into our minds, what's
next? To put it into action. By doing so, others can be inspired and grow as well.
Tell the Story. Live out
the Story.
NEXT…
Part 3 or… the Truth
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