Mission in Jesus’ Parables of the KingdomSample

Over the next two days, we’ll read the same passage: the “Parable of the Sower” (Matthew 13:18) and its explanation. We will concentrate on the first two soils today (Matthew 13:4–6, 19–21) and the second two tomorrow.

What can we learn about mission? The seed is “the word of the kingdom” (Matthew 13:19). The Sower is Jesus himself, though we are called to continue his work. The path represents those for whom something did take place in their heart. Still, the event wasn’t combined with understanding (Matthew 13:19). True understanding, of course, is a work of the Spirit. Still, we also must communicate the message so it can be understood in another person’s language, culture, and worldview. We are also in a spiritual battle. The “evil one” snatches away what is sown in the heart. When there is no understanding, he has an easy opportunity to swoop in, exploit ignorance, fear, and temptation, and undo the work of evangelism and discipleship.

The seed on rocky ground springs up immediately (Matthew 13:5)—the person has received the word joyfully (Matthew 13:20). On the surface, they exhibit rapid spiritual growth. But a joyful reception doesn’t guarantee a joyful completion. There can be a kind of “easy believism” where we make many converts but few disciples. They sprang up quickly because of a lack of depth (Matthew 13:5) and roots “in themselves” (Matthew 13:21). It’s as if the faith is not really their own. Disciples need in-depth teaching, training, and mentoring to put their roots into Christ—not dependent on the missionary or local pastor—so that they can stand firm when trouble comes.

What can we learn from this parable about mission? Firstly, Jesus is the Sower. We may sometimes feel like we’re doing all the work of evangelism and discipleship, but it’s his work, and he’s behind it, even if we must sow the seed. Secondly, the seed is the message of the kingdom—we mustn’t allow anything we do to obscure this message. Thirdly, Jesus sows with incredible generosity … almost reckless abandon, when you consider how much of the seed falls on fruitless soil and is wasted. But he is not miserly in wanting to scatter the seed of the Gospel as far abroad as possible. Neither should we be miserly as we seek to reach the people groups and cultures of the world.

Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23