16-Jul-23 (Matthew 13:1-9, 16-23)

Jesus told a story in today's scripture about a farmer planting grain. What do you think is the point of planting grain? [wait for answers]
So, you plant the grain, wanting to grow more grain. As a farmer can tell you, the point of wanting more to grow is that you can have some for your family, some to sell, and some to plant the next crop. But crops don't always grow? Right?
What are some things that can make a crop not grow? [wait for answers]
Now here is a hard part: Jesus wasn't just talking about growing grain. He was talking about how the Good News of God's love is shared.
That might be hard to understand, but fortunately, Jesus explained it.
He said that the seeds are like the Good News itself. It's shared with all people. The Good News is for all.
But just like the seed in the story, some of it doesn't grow. Some of it doesn't grow into faith in people's hearts. Why is that?
It's because some people don't understand it. That's like seed that falls above the ground, maybe on a sidewalk. It just doesn't grow.
Some people do understand it, but they don't allow it to grow strong before some trouble happens in their lives. In the trouble, they give up on their faith. That's like seed that falls among rocks and isn't able to put down roots to survive.
Some people receive it well, but they are too concerned about the worries of this life. They care too much about money or power and, like seed that falls among weeds, the faith gets choked out before it can really grow and live.
But some people hear and believe and don't allow the world to distract them and the faith grows up, lives, and then these folks share the Good News with others. Instead of just one believer, we end up with 20 or 40 or 60 from that one seed of faith.
Let's talk to God about that.

God, we thank you that you love us and want us to know about you. Help us to let faith grow within us and also help us to share that faith with others and plant the seeds that may grow into faith in their lives. Thank you for Jesus that showed us how to live a live of believing in you and serving others.
We pray in Jesus' name.
AMEN.