Apicontent

“Then Jesus told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the worker who tended the vineyard, “For three years now, I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and each time I inspect it I find none. Cut it down! Why should it continue to deplete the soil?” But the worker answered him, “Sir, leave it alone this year too, until I dig around it and put fertilizer on it. Then if it bears fruit next year, very well, but if not, you can cut it down.”’” —Luke 13:6–9

Jesus’ main point here is that judgment will come to non-fruit bearers. Scripture continually teaches us the importance of a walk that matches our talk. The fact is, talk is cheap. It is easy to talk about the truth, but difficult to live it. A person will live out what he or she believes. This is precisely why John the Baptist cried out to the Pharisees (the religious leaders of his day):

“But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, ‘You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance, and don’t think you can say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I tell you that God can raise up children for Abraham from these stones! Even now the ax is laid at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.’” —Matthew 3:7–10

We are all sinners in need of a Savior! Not one of us is righteous in our own standing. These religious leaders believed they were safe because of their ancestry. After all, they were children of Abraham. Jesus came and confronted this way of thinking. In His talk with Nicodemus, one of Israel’s teachers, He said:

“I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb and be born a second time, can he” Jesus answered, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must all be born from above.’” —John 3:3–7

No one receives preferential treatment. We all come to the cross as sinners. Since this is the sad state of every unbeliever, those who have been redeemed through faith in Christ, those who are children of the King, those who belong to Jesus, should indeed “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). There certainly should be a difference in the life of one who is redeemed that ultimately points others to Christ. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should be made manifest in our lives.

In this parable, it was God who came to look for the fruit. This fig tree was planted in His vineyard using up His good soil. It was given an advantage over the fig tree that perhaps grew by the side of the road. God requires and expects fruit from those He has planted in His vineyard. It dishonors Him when we enjoy the privileges of the gospel and yet do not live out its truths. In our parable for today, the landowner had been patient. He had waited three years and had not found any fruit. He had not been overly ambitious in His expectations, He merely expected fruit. Not only was no fruit produced, but His good soil had also been wasted.

Judgment is passed against it: “You can cut it down.” Barren trees are to be cut down because there is no place for purposeless trees in God’s vineyard.

Become More

Enter the Jesus, the intercessor, the caretaker of the vineyard! He asks for a reprieve. He is our great Intercessor! He is our example to follow in pleading for others. We owe it to Jesus that barren trees are not immediately cut to the ground. He prays for a merciful reprieve and His prayer is reinforced by His endeavor to save the tree. What are you doing to intercede for the barren fig trees in your life?

Further Reflections

“For the ground that has soaked up the rain that frequently falls on it and yields useful vegetation for those who tend it receives a blessing from God. But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed; its fate is to be burned” —Hebrews 6:7–8

“Unfruitful professors of religion, if after long unfruitfulness they will repent, and change, and bring forth fruit, shall find all is well. God will be pleased; minister’s hands will be strengthened. There will be joy in heaven for it; the ground will be no longer used up, but bettered, and vineyard beautified, and the good trees in it made better. As for the tree itself, it is well for it; it shall receive the blessing of God; it shall be purged, and shall bring forth fruit.” —Matthew Henry

“But if that slave should say to himself, ‘My master is delayed in returning,’ and he begins to beat the other slaves, both men and women, and to eat, drink, and get drunk, then the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not foresee, and will cut him in two, and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or do what his master asked will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know his master’s will and did things worthy of punishment will receive a light beating. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, even more will be asked.” —Luke 12:45–48

The end result doesn’t sound too good for the faithless, does it? There will be a day of reckoning for every person who has ever lived.

For the non-believer, we are told in Revelation:

“Then I saw a large white throne and the one who was seated on it; the earth and the heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. Then books were opened, and another book was opened—the book of life. So the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to their deeds. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire.” —Revelation 20:11–15

Those who belong to Christ, who are redeemed by His precious blood, will stand before the judgment of God to receive their reward. And those too who do not belong to Christ will also receive their reward.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil.” —2 Corinthians 5:10

“Believers then, are to walk (live) carefully, so as to be wise or skillful and thus please the Lord. The manner for this careful, precise walk is making the right use of every opportunity, and the reason for this careful walk is that the days are evil. Many are walking in sin, and since the time is short believers must make full use of their time to help turn them from darkness to light. This necessitates wise conduct.” — Bible Knowledge Commentary

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” –1 Peter 4:7–11

While salvation is secure for the believer through Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, a verbal acknowledgment without actions or a changed life or any appearance of the fruit of the Spirit the Bible tells us is not saving faith.

Unfortunately, many people today “say” they have faith, and yet their lives do not reflect a relationship with Christ. They actually have a false sense of security. A believer in Christ will demonstrate a changed life—not a perfect life, but a changed life. Certainly, to believe in Christ is far more than just words. As James tells us:

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can this kind of faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,’ but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it? So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works.” —James 2:14–18

Accountability—defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “responsible; required to account for one’s conduct”— is the point Jesus is making here. We are held accountable for the truth we have been given, not to mention the gifts that have been bestowed upon us.

Become More

May we always conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, pleasing Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with power according to His glorious might so that we may have great endurance, patience, and joy.

“O Lord, what shame that You should need to beg us thus! Better that others might find us unavailable because of our occupation with You, rather than for us to be so slow to come, so dull to hear, so cold of heart, so indolent of soul. O God, spare us Your wrath! Do not let Your anger be kindled against us. Let us ask only one thing more, and do not turn away. Grant this one prayer more, O Lord, that You would give us all that is lacking in us; intensify our hunger and fire our devotion; take the indifference from our spirits; and have within us Your wonderful way and perfect will, O God, we pray.” —Frances J. Roberts

Further Reflections

“Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is.” —Ephesians 5:15–17

“Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:1–2

“The Lord replied, ‘Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his household servants, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master finds at work when he returns. I tell you the truth, the master will put him in charge of all his possessions.’” —Luke 12:42–44

A very important question for each one of us is this: What is the task the Lord has placed in my hands at this particular time?

Could the task be extraordinarily difficult, requiring His all achieving power and our diligence and perseverance to carry it out? Could the task be extremely boring and mundane, requiring the same all achieving power and our diligence and perseverance to finish it well?

Oftentimes life’s work can become quite daily. A great verse to memorize is the wonderful command in Colossians:

“Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.” —Colossians 3:23–24

Our heavenly Father, who judges without favoritism or partiality, will repay each and every person in full when He comes again. When we work as unto Him, all our efforts become set apart for God’s glory. We are told in Isaiah:

“Look, the Sovereign LORD comes as a victorious warrior; his military power establishes his rule. Look, his reward is with him; his prize goes before him.” —Isaiah 40:10

Jesus said:

“But as for that day or hour no one knows it—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son—except the Father. Watch out! Stay alert! For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey. He left his house and put his slaves in charge, assigning to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert.” —Mark 13:32–34

Jesus’ message is for each generation to be watching, waiting, and working until His return or our own homegoing. Paul gives us a wonderful charge:

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem without knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit warns me in town after town that imprisonment and persecutions are waiting for me. But I do not consider my life worth anything to myself, so that I may finish my task and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace.” —Acts 20:22–24

Life is not nearly long enough for everything! As believers, we must be focused on the things of God! We must stand firm in our commitment to Him and remain unencumbered by things that might keep us back from attaining our goal. This is the lesson of Hebrews 12:1–3:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.”

Become More

Just as surely as there are always consequences to sin, there are always blessings to obedience. In our verses for today, Jesus speaks of the rewards of the faithful. Scripture has many illustrations regarding rewards in the here and now and also our future eternal rewards. Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded according to our actions:

“For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” —Matthew 16:27

Paul echoes the same principle in Ephesians:

“Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord and not people, because you know that each person, whether slave or free, if he does something good, this will be rewarded by the Lord.” —Ephesians 6:7–8

Further Reflections

“If by doing some work which the undiscerning consider ‘not spiritual work’ I can best help others, and I inwardly rebel, thinking it is the spiritual for which I crave, when in truth it is the interesting and exciting, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”—Amy Carmichael

“Let us work as if success depended upon ourselves alone, but with heartfelt conviction that we are doing nothing, and God everything.” —St. Ignatius Loyola

“He then told them a parable: ‘The land of a certain rich man produced an abundant crop, so he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?” Then he said, “I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to myself, ‘You have plenty of goods stored up for many years; relax, eat, drink, celebrate!”’ But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you, but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’” So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself, but is not rich toward God.” —Luke 12:16–21

The Oxford Dictionary defines “hoard” as accumulating more than one’s current requirements. God addressed this issue early on in the Old Testament when He gave instructions to the Israelites regarding manna from heaven. We find in Exodus:

“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people will go out and gather the amount for each day, so that I may test them. Will they walk in my law or not? On the sixth day they will prepare what they bring in, and it will be twice as much as they gather every other day.’” —Exodus 16:4–5

A few verses later we read:

“When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ because they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the LORD has given you for food. This is what the LORD has commanded: “Each person is to gather from it what he can eat, an omer per person according to the number of your people; each one will pick it up for whoever lives in his tent.”’ The Israelites did so, and they gathered—some more, some less. When they measured with an omer, the one who gathered much had nothing left over, and the one who gathered little lacked nothing; each one had gathered what he could eat. Moses said to them, ‘No one is to keep any of it until morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses; some kept part of it until morning, and it was full of worms and began to stink, and Moses was angry with them.” —Exodus 16:15–20

While saving is prudent and commendable, hoarding is greedy and selfish. It reveals an attitude that lacks faith in a God who always supplies our needs. It points to the fact that we somehow believe we are responsible for our lives—taking God out of the equation. Just like the Israelites, our hoarding produces maggots and begins to smell.

We are told by Paul:

“Now with godliness combined with contentment brings great profit. For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either. But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that. Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation and a trap and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all evils. Some people in reaching for it have strayed from the faith and stabbed themselves with many pains.” —1 Timothy 6:6–1

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.” —Philippians 4:11–13

The secret of Paul’s contentment was the power of Christ within him, giving him strength and peace. Contented people do not live excessively. They are not always searching for more and more. They understand when enough is enough. There is a great deal of freedom and insight to be gained from this. We have been sold the idea that accumulation brings contentment. Oftentimes, quite the opposite is true! Are your possessions possessing you? Possessions are supposed to bring us joy, but they can end up consuming our time, talents, resources, and abilities! I am sure that is one reason we are told in Proverbs:

“Remove falsehood and lies far from me; do not give me poverty or riches, feed me with my allotted portion of bread, lest I become satisfied and act deceptively and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or lest I become poor and steal and demean the name of my God.” —Proverbs 30:8–9

Become More

God desires for us to give freely and cheerfully, sharing with those who are in need and practicing hospitality. When we are on the receiving end, we are in turn to pass on the blessing to others. Luke tells us:

“Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.” —Luke 6:38

Further Reflections

Contentment is a learned secret. Sacrifice and self-control are beautiful graces.

“It is another one of those ‘immutable laws of the universe’ where sharing, caring and giving trumps self-centered, narcissistic and selfish every time.” —thinktq.com

“Then he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine has stopped here while on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.” Then he will reply from inside, “Do not bother me. The door is already shut, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though the man inside will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of the first man’s sheer persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.’” —Luke 11:5–8

In this story, Jesus is teaching us about the need for boldness and persistence when we pray. This same principle is presented in Luke 18 when Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow. The widow keeps approaching a judge for justice. The judge was neither God-fearing nor cared about people, yet because of her persistence, he granted her request just to avoid having her wear him out. Jesus ends that story with:

“And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unrighteous judge says! Won’t God give justice to his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay long to help them?’” —Luke 18:6–7

In contrast to an unjust judge who is compliant simply to get someone off his back, God, who is just and holy and righteous, will respond quickly to the cries of His children. We are told in Hebrews:

“For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.” —Hebrews 4:15–16

Jesus, our High Priest, who lives to intercede for us, administers mercy to us as we approach the “throne of grace.”

“So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised. For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay.” —Hebrews 10:35–38

“With such a High Priest, it follows that believers should approach the throne of grace with confidence. In a book filled with lovely and captivating turns of expression, few excel the memorable phrase “throne of grace.” Such a conception of the presence of God into which beleaguered Christians may come at any time, suggests both the sovereignty of the One they approach (since they come to a “throne”) and His benevolence. At a point of contact with God like this Christians can fully expect to receive mercy and find grace to help … in … time of need.” — Bible Knowledge Commentary

“God, the eternal God of the universe, stands, as it were, like an almighty servant and says: ‘If you, My child, will only pray I will work; if you will only be busy with asking I will see to the doing.’ Not only does He bestow at our cry, but He acts. Not only does our praying evoke His bounty, it sets in motion His omnipotence. Wherefore, as we enter into the secret chamber of prayer, nothing will so stir us to mighty intercession, nothing will so soon make us master-pleaders with God for a lost world, as to whisper to our own soul, again and again, this wonderful truth, ‘While I am praying God is really doing that which I am asking!’” —James H. McConkey

Become More

God calls each one of us to pray both boldly and persistently, not on our own merits or righteousness, for we have none, but on the merits of Christ!

“God’s best gifts, like valuable jewels, are kept under lock and key, and those who want them must, with fervent faith, importunately ask for them; for God is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” —Dwight L. Moody

Further Reflection

“Effectual fervent prayer has been the mightiest weapon of God’s mightiest soldiers.” —E. M. Bounds

“Which of these do you think became a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” The expert in religious law said, “The one who showed mercy to him.” So Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” —Luke 10:36–37

Once again, Jesus reminds us that mercy wins!

The prophet Micah’s words come to mind:

“He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the LORD really wants from you: He wants you to carry out justice, to love faithfulness, and to live obediently before your God.” —Micah 6:8

Sounds easy, living it out is a bit more difficult. Our “self” just has a way of getting in the way! Earlier Jesus had said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” and the teacher of the Law had asked, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered that question by telling him the Parable of the Good Samaritan which precedes our verses for today.

In the parable, a man is heading from Jerusalem to Jericho—a journey of about 17 miles descending 3,000 feet. It was a dangerous, steep, winding way oftentimes laden with robbers. Jesus described how this man fell into the hands of this rabble. They beat him, stripped him of his clothes, and left him half dead. A priest and a Levite (both leaders in the Jewish community) passed by this half-dead man, actually crossing over to the other side of the road, ignoring the blaring need before them. Then Jesus tells us a Samaritan comes along, taking pity on the man. This is particularly interesting in light of the fact that the Samaritans were scorned and looked down upon by the Jews because of their mixed Jewish and Gentile ancestry. 

This merciful Samaritan bandaged the half-dead man’s wounds, poured on his own oil and wine, placed the man on his own donkey, and took him to an inn to care for him out of his own means. The next day, the Samaritan went the extra mile by telling the innkeeper to tend to this man’s needs and that he would reimburse him for any expenses incurred. At this point in the story, Jesus poses the question, “Which one of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man?” Jesus certainly has a way of getting straight to the heart of the matter!

Similar to the priest and the Levite, we can put our blinders on to the needs of those who our care. We walk on the other side of the road either pretending the problem is not there or being so consumed with our own lives and problems that we don’t even notice the hurt of others. Perhaps we have no idea how to help. But the Samaritan simply did what he could!

As I read this story, I am struck by the principle that loving our neighbor will probably cost us. It will cost time … and money … and comfort! But, when we come to the aid of others, it forces us to take our minds off ourselves. The beauty of this is that through our helping others, we are elevated and helped! Reaching out to the needs of others lifts us up.

Become More

“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.” —Proverbs 11:25

This can be through our material possessions including our money, our time, or our talents.

“Every act of compassion done by anyone … is done by Christ working in him.” —Julian of Norwich

Further Reflections

“The best exercise for strengthening the heart is reaching down and lifting people up.” —Ernest Blevins

“We are to do acts of kindness to those that least of all deserve it.” —William Law

“Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, and learning.” —Frederick Faber

“Now an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus, saying, ‘Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? How do you understand it?’ The expert answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.’ But the expert, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” —Luke 10:25–29

This was a test given by an expert in God’s Law to try and trip up Jesus. The man was trying to justify himself. Big mistake! Those who pursue this strategy always get more than they bargain for.

The question this man posed had surfaced several times before. It was asked by the rich young ruler (recorded in both Matthew 19:16 and Luke 18:18) who was also seeking to justify his actions. And Nicodemus presented this question in honest earnestness to Jesus in John chapter three. Our expert in today’s verses lacked sincerity as seen in the two points given in the text: He wanted to test Jesus and he wanted to justify himself. Jesus drives him back to the Law by answering the man’s question with two others. The expert answers Jesus by quoting passages from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. But (and this is a big “BUT”), after hearing Jesus’ words inviting him to obedience, the expert seeks to qualify Jesus’ command with a question, “And who is my neighbor?” The proper response should have been “How can I do this?” or “I am not able—I need help.” This is also the proper response for each one of us! 

The Bible tells us:

“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (although it is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed—namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 3:21–24

Paul tells us that no one is declared righteous by observing the Law because no one can keep the law perfectly: “all have sinned.” Our righteousness comes through faith in Christ—and it is offered to each and every one of us!

“Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.” —Colossians 3:11

All barriers are destroyed in Christ. We all come to the cross needing a Savior—no exceptions. And Jesus clothes each and every one of us with His righteousness!

“God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.” —2 Corinthians 5:21

“For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him. The one who believes in him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. Now this is the basis for judging: that the light has come into the world and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil deeds hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed. But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God.” —John 3:16–21

Become More

God’s motivation towards people is love—not limited to just one group of people or a few, but toward the whole world. The expression of His love was His most priceless gift—His precious Son.

Further Reflection

“For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” —1 Corinthians 15:22

“’But other seed fell on good soil and grew, and it produced a hundred times as much grain.’ As he said this, he called out, ‘The one who has ears to hear had better listen!’” —Luke 8:8

Jesus gives us the meaning of this verse later in the chapter:

“But as for the seed that landed on good soil, these are the ones who, after hearing the word, cling to it with an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with steadfast endurance.” —Luke 8:15

According to Jesus’ explanation of the parable, those who produce fruit for the kingdom of God are those that upon hearing the Word embrace it with obedience, persevering with endurance, patience, and consistency under sufferings with faith and trust. This is what defines the followers of Jesus in the New Testament! Think of the lives of Paul, Peter, and John.

Paul wrote:

“Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of God’s glory. Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” —Romans 5:1–5

Peter said:

“I can pray this because his divine power has bestowed on us everything necessary for life and godliness through the rich knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence. Through these things he has bestowed on us his precious and most magnificent promises, so that by means of what was promised you may become partakers of the divine nature, after escaping the worldly corruption that is produced by evil desire. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly affection; to brotherly affection, unselfish love. For if these things are really yours and are continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately. But concerning the one who lacks such things—he is blind. That is to say, he is nearsighted, since he has forgotten about the cleansing of his past sins.” —2 Peter 1:3–9

John tells us:

“This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and our hands have touched (concerning the word of life—and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us). What we have seen and heard we announce to you too, so that you may have fellowship with us (and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ). Thus we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. Now this is the gospel message we have heard from him and announce to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.” —1 John 5:1–5

Become More

I think our attitude regarding our responsibilities of the grace and favor given to us for kingdom work could often be described as cavalier. Why is it that we are so apathetic? I am reminded of a question God posed to Haggai regarding the rebuilding of the temple:

“Ask the following questions to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and the remnant of the people: ‘Who among you survivors saw the former splendor of this temple? How does it look to you now? Isn’t it nothing by comparison?’ Even so, take heart, Zerubbabel,’ decrees the LORD. “Take heart, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And take heart all you citizens of the land,” decrees the LORD, “and begin to work. For I am with you,” decrees the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “Do not fear, because I made a promise to your ancestors when they left Egypt, and my Spirit even now testifies to you.” —Haggai 2:2–5

Further Reflection

When the Word of God falls on a person with an open heart, that person will begin to live a life reflective of God’s desires. This, of course, is advantageous to others as well! Share the good news!

“Other seed fell on rock, and when it came up, it withered because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns, and they grew up with it and choked it.” —Luke 8:6–7

What makes an oak tree able to survive a serious drought? Roots that reach down deep to the moisture! Such is the life of the Christian who has roots that go deep. One purpose of trials and tests is to strengthen our roots so that we may increasingly demonstrate and prove the reality of our faith. What do we do when trials come our way? Do we bolt and run? Do we wither away and die? Is our allegiance to the Lord only in place when times are good? Much of life is made up of things that are hard—that fact is even acknowledged in scripture!

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage—I have conquered the world.” —John 16:33

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” —Ephesians 3:14–19

Jesus tells us to expect troubles and difficulties, but to be brave because we serve the Victor! We are on the winning team! Christ is looking for disciples who will stand in the heat of adversity and flourish within it. James puts it this way:

“My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.” — James 1:2–4

I don’t know about you, but I want to be perfect and complete and not deficient in anything!

In our verses for today, the Word was given and received with joy. As life progressed, and it always does, trials caused the plants to wither. Our roots must go down deep into the Living Water in order for us to withstand the hardships of life.

Jesus gives the meaning of the verses for today to His disciples later in this same chapter of Luke:

“Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in a time of testing fall away. As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.” —Luke 8:13–14

Those described here are people who go about their daily affairs of life without giving heed to the Giver of it. This passage is a lesson on lordship. Jesus is looking for wholehearted devotion. What are the “worries” in your life? Riches? Job security? Fame? Popularity? Beauty? Companionship? Your spouse (or the desire for one)? Friends? Children? Knowledge? The list is endless! The secret is to identify what is on the throne of our lives. Anything but Christ and we will be weighed on the scales and found wanting. 

“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” —2 Chronicles 16:9

Become More

We may be interested in the message of Jesus but refuse to accept it because of our devotion to whatever is in the world that draws our affections. Life’s worries, riches, and enjoyments often are most important to us, blocking out the truth, preventing us from reaching maturity, or attaining God’s intended goal for our lives.

It takes more than emotions and enthusiasm to stand with Christ during difficult times—we need to be rooted and grounded in His Word!

Further Reflection

“This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away—and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” —1 Peter 1:6–7

“While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from one town after another, he spoke to them in a parable: ‘A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled on, and the wild birds devoured it.’”—Luke 8:4–5

Unwilling, unrepentant, unchanged—words that might be used to describe the hearts of those Jesus might be describing as the seed that was trampled on in the above verses from the Parable of the Sower. Later in this chapter, when Jesus gives the meaning of the parable to His disciples, He says:

“Now the parable means this: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” —Luke 8:11–12

This seems to be a pretty straightforward explanation! Each one of us is held accountable for what our ears hear and our eyes see. Many of us are blessed to receive excellent instruction from God’s Word from outstanding preachers, commentaries, books, and media sources. We are exposed to truth over and over again. However, we often close our hearts, thereby trampling the truth underfoot. Jesus makes it clear here that the Gospel always demands a decision. In Matthew He gives more insight into this same issue:

“Do not give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before pigs; otherwise they will trample them under their feet and turn around and tear you to pieces.” —Matthew 7:6

When we entrust holy things to unholy people, we run the risk of having the truth trampled under their feet, and then having them turn and tear us to pieces! This is exactly what happened to Jesus with the Pharisees and the teachers of the law of His day. This type of response to the truth of God’s Word is not any different than what we encounter in our day! Their response to Him broke the heart of our Savior. In Matthew, we are told:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would have none of it!” —Matthew 23:37

Paul had deep anguish of heart over the rejection of the gospel by so many of his fellow Jews. He echoes this same tenderness in regarding the redeemed who were being led astray:

“I wish that you would be patient with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you are being patient with me! For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that just as the serpent deceived Eve by his treachery, your minds may be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” —2 Corinthians 11:1–3

At the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus commanded all of His followers to go and make disciples. Paul tells us:

“How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.’” —Romans 10:14–15

Become More

“The one who has ears had better listen!” —Matthew 11:15

Further Reflection

“In a final lament over the city of Jerusalem, Jesus stated His desire for that nation. Jerusalem, the capital, represented the entire nation, and people there had killed the prophets and stoned those sent to them (cf. Matthew 23:34; 21:35). He longed to gather the nation together much as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. The nation, unlike chicks that naturally run to their mother hen in times of danger, willfully refused (“you were not willing”) to turn to the Lord. They were responsible to make a choice and their choice brought condemnation. The result was their house was left … desolate, or alone.” — Bible Knowledge Commentary