As pessimistic as it sounds, it can also be encouraging if one flips the equation backwards. If one sees a bunch of folks calling themselves Christian, but appearing to put out bad fruit, it can be tempting to wonder if the gospel has any power or truth at all, or maybe if there's some _other_ gospel that would be "better", more consistently pulling in larger, more devoted crowds.
But if Jesus is saying that right from the beginning, people were hearing the good word directly from the lips of the Good Word, and it didn't seem to have a surefire effect, then who am I to expect that my witness or church would have a higher batting average?
In my comments on the first four posts I took a different tack, not in contradiction to you, but because I am so concerned about the prevailing passion for weeding God’s field. It is important that we really listen to the Wheat and the Tares. It is our job to cultivate and nurture every seed that sprouts in that field. We are not the judges of which seeds will be fruitful.
I agree that “the parables of Matthew 13 describe the kingdom of God in our modern contexts. More and more, I've come to think that following Jesus is ‘the narrow way,’ something very precise and very specific.” We are overwhelmed at present by many who put on the label “Christian” and yet aggressively claim the harvester’s role and seek to cast others into the fire.
A particular challenge for me and others is to resist the urge to accuse all of those others of being weeds to be cast out. The hard task, the painful and seemingly impossible task, is to cultivate and nurture these folks too. They still have God’s seed in them.
May Spirit lead us to join with them in God’s family.
Yes, the kingdom living is the eye of the needle living... and what recently occurred to me is that in many ways, it is an unnatural way of living. Being self-focused, going along with the masses, striving for validation at the cost of authenticity, reaching for those things that make one feel powerful, material wealth.. so many things that are natural are not the way of Jesus. I have said now for a while that the Eye of the Needle living is the unnatural path.. and so it takes intention, certainly desire, and a turning away of our nature. Few dare to even attempt, fewer make it.
The poem "Parables of Matthew 13" delves into the timeless and profound teachings encapsulated within the parables shared by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Each stanza encapsulates a different parable, such as the Sower, Wheat and Tares, and the Net, highlighting their symbolic representations and the underlying messages they offer to listeners then and now.
Through the lens of these parables, the poem explores the complexity of faith and humanity's mixed nature. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, understanding the challenges of true discipleship, and the authenticity required in following the teachings of Christ. The comparison of the church's motivations, echoing the past and resonating in the present, emphasizes the ongoing relevance and applicability of these teachings in contemporary times.
The poem aims to draw parallels between the narratives shared by Jesus and the modern-day struggles faced by believers, inviting readers to ponder on their own faith journeys and the commitment needed to walk the path set forth by Christ. It encapsulates the essence of the parables as guiding lights, offering profound insights into the nature of the kingdom of God and the transformative power of embracing its values.
This is a tough word. I resonate with it in my own reflections, but how can one know the hearts of men and women? It pushes the eternal security question. Could we distinguish salvation as a process? There are those struggling to hear but show some inclination and there are those who greatly see the kingdom and courageously live by it and there are all those in between? How does the Spirit work within this discussion; is it not a seal or deposit of our redemption? I like how you are pushing against the flimsy salvation doctrines out there, but it does leave a person to the neurotic journey of wondering about their salvation.
Defending Jesus and his parables in the context of Matthew 13 is essential in understanding the profound message he conveyed to his audience and its ongoing relevance in contemporary times.
Jesus used parables as a teaching tool to convey spiritual truths in a way that his listeners could understand and reflect upon. The parables in Matthew 13, such as the Sower, the Wheat and Tares, and the Net, beautifully illustrate the complexities and realities of the kingdom of God. They speak to the mixed nature of humanity, the challenges of following the narrow path, and the ultimate judgment that awaits.
It is important to note that Jesus' parables were not meant to paint an overly optimistic picture of the kingdom but rather to provide a realistic and honest portrayal of what it means to be a follower of Christ. The parables challenge us to examine our own hearts and actions, pointing out that not everyone who claims to be part of the kingdom will truly understand or live out its principles.
In today's context, the message of Matthew 13 remains relevant as we continue to grapple with the complexities of faith, the mixed motivations in the church, and the challenge of truly living out the teachings of Christ. Just as in Jesus' time, there are those who genuinely seek the kingdom and those who may be drawn in for other reasons. The parables serve as a reminder that true discipleship requires a deep commitment and understanding of the ways of God.
In conclusion, the parables of Matthew 13 offer a timeless and profound insight into the nature of the kingdom of God and the challenges of following Christ. They remind us that the path may be narrow and the journey may be difficult, but the rewards of understanding and living out the kingdom's values are immeasurable. It is a call to self-reflection, humility, and a deeper commitment to walking the path set forth by Jesus.
As pessimistic as it sounds, it can also be encouraging if one flips the equation backwards. If one sees a bunch of folks calling themselves Christian, but appearing to put out bad fruit, it can be tempting to wonder if the gospel has any power or truth at all, or maybe if there's some _other_ gospel that would be "better", more consistently pulling in larger, more devoted crowds.
But if Jesus is saying that right from the beginning, people were hearing the good word directly from the lips of the Good Word, and it didn't seem to have a surefire effect, then who am I to expect that my witness or church would have a higher batting average?
Thank you, Friend Beck, for this series.
In my comments on the first four posts I took a different tack, not in contradiction to you, but because I am so concerned about the prevailing passion for weeding God’s field. It is important that we really listen to the Wheat and the Tares. It is our job to cultivate and nurture every seed that sprouts in that field. We are not the judges of which seeds will be fruitful.
I agree that “the parables of Matthew 13 describe the kingdom of God in our modern contexts. More and more, I've come to think that following Jesus is ‘the narrow way,’ something very precise and very specific.” We are overwhelmed at present by many who put on the label “Christian” and yet aggressively claim the harvester’s role and seek to cast others into the fire.
A particular challenge for me and others is to resist the urge to accuse all of those others of being weeds to be cast out. The hard task, the painful and seemingly impossible task, is to cultivate and nurture these folks too. They still have God’s seed in them.
May Spirit lead us to join with them in God’s family.
Peace, Mike Shell
Yes, the kingdom living is the eye of the needle living... and what recently occurred to me is that in many ways, it is an unnatural way of living. Being self-focused, going along with the masses, striving for validation at the cost of authenticity, reaching for those things that make one feel powerful, material wealth.. so many things that are natural are not the way of Jesus. I have said now for a while that the Eye of the Needle living is the unnatural path.. and so it takes intention, certainly desire, and a turning away of our nature. Few dare to even attempt, fewer make it.
Title: Parables of Matthew 13
Yvon Roustan ©
In Matthew’s sacred text, stories unfold,
Parables by Jesus, truths untold,
Sower, Wheat, Tares in symbol and sight,
Revealing the kingdom, pure and bright.
Net cast wide, gathering good and bad,
A mirror to humanity, joy and sad,
Each tale a lesson, deep and divine,
Guiding the soul, from vine to vine.
Not a utopia, these parables portray,
Realities of faith, in shades of grey,
Challenging disciples, hearts laid bare,
True understanding, a path rare.
Contemporary echoes in these age-old tales,
Faith's complexities, as the ship sails,
Mixed motives, the church’s plight,
A call to authenticity, in Christ's light.
Today, as then, seekers abound,
Some for truth, others merely bound,
Parables persist, their wisdom rings true,
In the hearts of those faithful, pure and new.
Matthew 13's message, timeless and deep,
Navigating faith's waters, secrets to keep,
Reflection, humility, discipleship's demand,
Embracing the kingdom, by Jesus' hand.
*************^******************
Explanation:
The poem "Parables of Matthew 13" delves into the timeless and profound teachings encapsulated within the parables shared by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Each stanza encapsulates a different parable, such as the Sower, Wheat and Tares, and the Net, highlighting their symbolic representations and the underlying messages they offer to listeners then and now.
Through the lens of these parables, the poem explores the complexity of faith and humanity's mixed nature. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, understanding the challenges of true discipleship, and the authenticity required in following the teachings of Christ. The comparison of the church's motivations, echoing the past and resonating in the present, emphasizes the ongoing relevance and applicability of these teachings in contemporary times.
The poem aims to draw parallels between the narratives shared by Jesus and the modern-day struggles faced by believers, inviting readers to ponder on their own faith journeys and the commitment needed to walk the path set forth by Christ. It encapsulates the essence of the parables as guiding lights, offering profound insights into the nature of the kingdom of God and the transformative power of embracing its values.
This is a tough word. I resonate with it in my own reflections, but how can one know the hearts of men and women? It pushes the eternal security question. Could we distinguish salvation as a process? There are those struggling to hear but show some inclination and there are those who greatly see the kingdom and courageously live by it and there are all those in between? How does the Spirit work within this discussion; is it not a seal or deposit of our redemption? I like how you are pushing against the flimsy salvation doctrines out there, but it does leave a person to the neurotic journey of wondering about their salvation.
Defending Jesus and his parables in the context of Matthew 13 is essential in understanding the profound message he conveyed to his audience and its ongoing relevance in contemporary times.
Jesus used parables as a teaching tool to convey spiritual truths in a way that his listeners could understand and reflect upon. The parables in Matthew 13, such as the Sower, the Wheat and Tares, and the Net, beautifully illustrate the complexities and realities of the kingdom of God. They speak to the mixed nature of humanity, the challenges of following the narrow path, and the ultimate judgment that awaits.
It is important to note that Jesus' parables were not meant to paint an overly optimistic picture of the kingdom but rather to provide a realistic and honest portrayal of what it means to be a follower of Christ. The parables challenge us to examine our own hearts and actions, pointing out that not everyone who claims to be part of the kingdom will truly understand or live out its principles.
In today's context, the message of Matthew 13 remains relevant as we continue to grapple with the complexities of faith, the mixed motivations in the church, and the challenge of truly living out the teachings of Christ. Just as in Jesus' time, there are those who genuinely seek the kingdom and those who may be drawn in for other reasons. The parables serve as a reminder that true discipleship requires a deep commitment and understanding of the ways of God.
In conclusion, the parables of Matthew 13 offer a timeless and profound insight into the nature of the kingdom of God and the challenges of following Christ. They remind us that the path may be narrow and the journey may be difficult, but the rewards of understanding and living out the kingdom's values are immeasurable. It is a call to self-reflection, humility, and a deeper commitment to walking the path set forth by Jesus.