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Before we get started, ask yourself..
Who is someone that you can always count on?
Do you spend a lot of time with that person?
What is something that you do to grow that relationship?
Friendships are a gift from God, but just like the friendships and relationships that we care for in our life, we also must spend time with Jesus! This is how we grow in our relationships and create a firm foundation in Him. Let's look at the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13.
The Seed Along the Path
Matthew 13:19, "The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts."
It is important to understand and really soak up what we learn from the Bible, Church and time in fellowship. If we find ourselves showing up on Sunday morning with no intention of learning, we won't grow in knowledge that the Lord wants us to have. Reading the Word and hearing certain messages can be confusing at times. When we don't understand, can't relate, or just flat out don't get it, we can get frustrated very easily.
Think about some ways that we can grow in knowledge, desire for learning, and through the Word. Here are some examples: small groups, Bible reading plans, daily devotionals that you enjoy, talking with a mentor or teacher that can help you understand, or even just googling it!
The Seed on Rocky Ground
Matthew 13:20, "The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word."
Let's start by clarifying, what is persecution? Persecution is something that all believers face, and Jesus faced it daily while here on this earth. It is the reality that not everyone is going to agree with our faith and what we believe.
Although, we must be faithful servants and believers of Jesus! Remaining firm in his Word, his hope and his love! As we grow and are called to share the Good News, we leave the body of believers and go out into the world to be a light and share God's love.
The Seed Among the Thorns
Matthew 13:22, "The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced."
The truth is, there will be times in our lives that we will experience hardships. Knowing that our faith in Jesus is the one thing that can get us through is our hope and strength in those tough times. Walking with Jesus is not easy, perfect, or smooth sailing; there are going to be many difficult seasons in our lives.
This is why we must remember that our faith in Jesus is not dependent on our circumstances. It is obvious that life changes, whether it be friendships, schools, family, jobs, or even your mood throughout the day. Good news is, Jesus does not change. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!". During those tough times, pursuing Jesus instead of turning to the world is what truly instills persistence, strength, and steadfastness in our faith.
The Seed on Good Soil
Matthew 13:23, "The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!"
The seed that falls on good soil "produces a crop." Have you ever heard of the term fruitfulness? The best way to describe "fruit" is through the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, them being, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control". When we build a firm foundation in Jesus, we can start to become more like Him, which them brings about that "fruitfulness" we were talking about. Meaning we then can bear some of the Holy traits that He possesses.
Questions to Think About:
Do you have a relationship with Jesus?
Do you have trouble understanding Scripture when reading your Bible?
Have there been times that you have felt uncomfortable talking about your faith to people at school?
When going through a hard time, what are some things you do to feel better?
What are some things that you struggle with in your faith?
What is your favorite part about following Jesus?
Our prayer is that this message has instilled an eagerness to learn and draw near to God in our hearts. That when we read the Word or attend a church service, we have open ears and open hearts to what the Lord wants to speak to us. Our prayer is that when we are sent out into the world, in our schools, jobs, friend groups, sports, and life, that we would be a light for Jesus. We know that persecution may rise and tough times come, but we pray that we can stand firm in our faith! We pray that in all times, good and bad, that we would cling to Jesus and his truth!
With Lots of Love,
Emma Stiglets
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