Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 5.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15:8-10
Supporting Passage: Luke 15:13-20
The other night, I couldn't find the TV remote. I wanted to relax for a bit, but instead, I ran around my living room looking for it. Then, I spotted it. There it was, hiding in plain sight on a top shelf. I laughed to myself as I thought about the parable we've been studying for the past few weeks. Like the woman who found her lost coin, I felt like having a celebration. (My joy was short-lived, however, when I soon realized there was nothing on TV I wanted to watch.)
As we close out our time with the parable of the Lost Coin, I want to compare the woman's joy to God's joy in finding lost people:
And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin." In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents. (Luke 15:8–10, NLT)
Jesus says when one sinner repents, the kingdom of God throws a party. This is amazing! But the word repent sounds scary, doesn’t it? It’s one of those words that come loaded with a lot of baggage. It gives me visions of streetcorner preachers holding signs that say, "Repent or Burn!" For most of my life, I associated repentance with trying to be on my best behavior. But true repentance carries a much deeper meaning.
Repentance is about realizing that the path I am on isn't leading to life. If I continue going in this direction, I will not be at peace with God, others, or myself. So when I repent, I turn and go in a different way—the kingdom way.
The prodigal son is a perfect example of this. By the end of his adventure, the face staring back at him in the mirror was unrecognizable. He wanted freedom but lost himself in the process. And so he repented by getting up from the pig slop and going back home.
But I can't do this alone. I need Jesus. If repentance is just about "being good at being good," we're all doomed. NT Wright explains it like this:
For [the religious leaders], nothing short of adopting their standards of purity and law-observance would do. For Jesus, when people follow him and his way, that is the true repentance.
After the woman finds her coin, she throws a party and invites all her friends to celebrate. Jesus communicates something profound with this ending. He is trying to stir compassion in the Pharisees' hearts.
Jesus wants these men to know that when one messy sinner decides to follow him, all of heaven rejoices. The angels are singing at this very moment as outcasts flock to Jesus. And the Pharisees have a choice in how they respond. They can either grumble with disdain or take a cue from the neighborhood women in Jesus' story. Their joyful party gives us a glimpse at the angels' party in heaven.
I am writing today's devotional from a Panera as I sip on sweet tea. I come here most mornings. A few years ago, a group of women would meet here every Friday. Over time, I learned they were retired co-workers. The four of them gathered together every week to chat, laugh, and tell stories. Seeing them always made my Friday a little better because they were full of joy. (And sometimes they would help me get a refill of my tea, which is always cause for celebration!)
Looking back now, they remind me of the women in Jesus' parable. It makes me wonder if I got a taste of the Kingdom Party right here in an ordinary Panera cafe.
So, onto the question of the day…
What does the parable of the Lost Coin teach us about how to live out God's kingdom in a messy, broken world?
There's more to this little parable than I first thought. Here is what it has taught me:
In God's kingdom, each person has immense value simply by being made in his image.
Jesus is willing to get messy to find lost people and invite them into God's kingdom. If we follow him, we should be willing to do the same.
And in God's kingdom, those on the inside celebrate when those on the outside are found. This is a theme of many of Jesus' parables.
We celebrate when the latecomers get paid the same wage as us.
We celebrate when more chairs need to be added to the banquet table.
And we celebrate with the angels when one person decides to follow Jesus.
Questions to Ponder:
What feelings bubble up in you when you hear the word repent? How is repentance more than good behavior?
How does it feel to know the angels threw a Kingdom Party on the day you decided to follow Jesus? How can you join in the celebration when others are found?
What did the parable of the Lost Coin teach you about how to live out God's kingdom in a messy, broken world?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
Making a Mess of the House
Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 4.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15
In the parable of the Lost Coin, Jesus uses a woman's search of her house to talk indirectly about how God searches for lost people. Some scholars refer to it as a "how much more" parable. If a woman will tear up her home to find a coin, how much more will God go to great lengths to find us?
It's interesting to think about how each of the three items in Luke 15 got lost. Sheep are not too bright and prone to wander. Likewise, the distractions of life may cause us to stray from God. One day we look up, find ourselves lost in the wilderness, and wonder, "How did I get here?" In these moments, we need a good shepherd to lovingly carry us home.
There are other times when we defiantly choose to turn away from God. This is more in line with how the prodigal son became lost. He thought he knew everything, so he packed his bags and left home. In these moments, we need a steadfast father waiting for us when we come to our senses.
But what about a lost coin? Well, a lost coin is simply... lost. It didn't do anything in particular to get lost. And sometimes, this is how people are lost, too. No, I'm not saying they are somehow without sin or bear no responsibility. But—like the seed that fell along the path—maybe a lost coin has never been shown the beauty of God's kingdom. In these moments, we need someone to roll up their sleeves and search for us.
It reminds me of a guy I know who became a Christian in college. Up until that point, he hadn't even heard the name Jesus. Really! When he shared this with me, I didn't believe it. I thought he meant he didn't start following Jesus until college. But no. He grew up in America, celebrated Christmas and Easter for years, and yet never heard about Jesus. Thankfully, someone was willing to share God's kingdom with him.
The parable of the Lost Coin puts a big emphasis on the woman’s search. She doesn't wait for the coin to turn up somewhere. She takes action by doing three things:
Won't she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? (Luke 15:8, NLT, emphasis mine)
The woman's house was small and may not have had windows, so a lamp was needed. As she swept every corner, I'm sure she unearthed dust bunnies and threw things off shelves. But the mess was worth it because she finally found the coin.
Jesus told this tale right after the religious leaders accused him of making a mess of the house. He was dining with sinners. He was talking to women who had bad reputations. He was touching people who had gross diseases. He was healing people on the Sabbath in God's holy house. This was messy business!
But to Jesus, the mess was worth it because he was finding people who'd been lost for quite some time. And they were joyfully joining God's kingdom. They had never felt more seen, known, loved, and—yes—aware that they did nothing to earn this invitation.
As a citizen of God’s kingdom, I want to reflect this same desire to see lost people found. But am I willing to get messy for others like Jesus did for me?
When I think of lost coins, I can't help but consider the younger generation. According to a recent "happiness study," happiness has decreased severely for Americans 30 years and younger. Another survey shows Gen Z is the most unchurched generation.
It can be easy for older generations to shake their heads and tsk-tsk at this bleak news. ("The young'uns just don't get it," says this crotchety Millennial!) But what if, instead, we saw it as an opportunity to get messy for the sake of others? Despite low church attendance, that same study also found Gen Z is the most open generation to spirituality. Imagine that!
Young people are disillusioned with this world. They may be skeptical of the church, yet they long to give their lives to something bigger. They are waiting to be shown the beauty of God's kingdom.
Reaching out to a younger generation means getting in the mess with them.
It's a messy thing to listen to their stories without judgment.
It's a messy thing to listen to their doubts and critiques of Christianity without getting defensive.
It's a messy thing to love and value them for who they are.
If my priority is to keep the house neat and tidy, this will be scary. It requires me to get out of my comfort zone and make mistakes. I can't do it alone. I need Jesus to guide me, but that is good news.
Making a mess of the house is what Jesus does for all of us.
Because he doesn't want anyone left out.
Questions to Ponder:
Think about the three lost items in Luke 15 (sheep, coin, son). What differences do you see in the way they each got lost?
Is there anyone who helped you see the beauty of God's kingdom? How did they get messy for your sake?
Do you know anyone from a younger generation who seems to be longing for a deeper purpose? How can you help them see the beauty of God's kingdom, even if it means getting messy?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
The Value of Each Person
Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 3.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15:8-10
Supporting Passage: Psalm 139
Over the past few weeks, we've considered the context of the Lost Coin parable. Today, we'll start looking at the story itself. It's only three verses long, so let's take a moment to read it in its entirety:
Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.” In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents. (Luke 15:8–10, NLT)
The coin the woman loses is called a drachma in Greek. It was worth about a day's wages, so it is not an insignificant amount of money.
Of the three "Lost & Found" parables, this one is probably the most relatable. I'm guessing not many of us know what it's like to lose a sheep. (If you do, please let me know!) And while many people can relate to the father's heartache over the prodigal son, not everyone is a parent. But we all know the sinking feeling of losing something valuable, whether it's cash, a phone, or jewelry.
When I was around six years old, I lost a toy I loved. I can still picture it vividly in my mind. It was shaped like the letter M (the first letter of my name!). As you moved the parts around, the shape of the toy changed (similar to a transformer action figure). It was awesome!
Losing this toy made me experience my first existential crisis. I looked everywhere for it, but it was nowhere to be found. And my little six-year-old brain started imagining what it was like to be that toy. Was it sad? Was it lonely?
Does a toy still exist if it's lost?
(Yes, I was an overthinker even as a child...)
Losing something valuable is unsettling. In that moment, it becomes your most important possession. You search every corner of the house as onlookers say unhelpful things like, "It's got to be here somewhere..." (Or my go-to phrase: "Where was it the last time you saw it?") Your mind can't rest until you find it.
So, what does all this have to do with God?
Well, imagine God having that same uneasy feeling when you are lost.
Imagine God being unable to rest until you are found.
I know this might be hard to fathom. But that's what makes God's love so awesome!
Now, remember—this is a parable, and not every detail in a parable correlates to real life. We are never truly "lost" to God. He knows where we are at all times. Psalm 139 says, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" (v. 7)
And yet, God is grieved when we are not in relationship with him. He longs for each of us to know him and be known by him.
It's interesting... Humans may have more in common with lost coins than we realize.
The moment a coin is minted, it has value. It doesn't have to do a thing to earn it.
You know what else? A coin doesn't lose its value just because it's lost. A quarter is worth 25 cents, whether it's in my pocket or collecting dust under the couch.
Like a coin, we don't have to do a thing to earn our value. No matter how we feel about God—whether we love him, hate him, or don't know much about him—our value doesn't change. We are loved.
But...
A quarter wasn't created to collect dust under a couch. It was created to buy me some bubble gum at the candy store! And it can't fulfill that purpose until it is found.
In the same way, we can't live out our ultimate purpose until we are found. God has given us unique gifts, and we each have a role to play in his kingdom. If we choose not to participate, it doesn't diminish our value as humans. But there is a sense in which we miss out on what God has created us for. (We'll talk more about this responsibility in the next parable we explore.)
This is a crucial distinction. We don't serve the king to earn his love. We serve him because we are already loved.
The parable of the Lost Coin is a reminder of the intrinsic value every person has. God doesn't take anyone for granted. He delights in each of us because we were all created in his image.
That changes how we see ourselves.
It also changes how we see others.
When something valuable is lost, nothing else matters until you find it.
Next week, we'll consider the lengths Jesus goes to find us.
Questions to Ponder:
Think about the panic you felt the last time you lost something. Then think about the relief you felt when you found it. Can you imagine God having those same feelings about someone who doesn't know him?
How does knowing God values you change the way you see yourself?
In what ways are you tempted to measure the value of others? (i.e., Do you base a person's value on what they believe? How they look? Who or what they support? Etc.) How can you reframe your perspective to see their God-given value first and foremost?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
Defender of Dignity
Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 2.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15:1-10
Supporting Passage: Luke 7:36-50
Last week, we looked at why Jesus told the "Lost & Found" parables in Luke 15. The Pharisees were not happy about the company Jesus was keeping. In response, he tells three stories about how God celebrates when lost people are found.
The Pharisees were all influential men. As Jesus told these tales, he addressed them directly. But there were also "tax collectors and sinners" in the crowd. Jesus knew they were listening, too. And it's interesting to see who Jesus chooses to spotlight in the first two stories.
In the first parable, the main character is a loving, compassionate shepherd. Although shepherding was vital work, shepherds themselves didn't have a great reputation. It was surprising to make a shepherd the center of the story—especially one that turns out to be the hero!
There may have been shepherds in the crowd of "sinners" that day. I'm sure they smiled as they heard Jesus tell this tale. This man, who didn't seem put off by messiness, was including them in what he was doing.
Jesus knew there were also women in the crowd. So in the second parable, Jesus makes the main character a woman. And he tailors the plot around something women may have experienced in everyday life.
By telling this story, Jesus communicated to the women that they were seen. This may not seem like a big deal to us. (And in many ways, I am glad it isn't!) But Jesus' acknowledgment of women (and his desire to relate to them with a parable) was shocking in a culture that often undervalued them.
This wasn't the first time Jesus elevated the dignity of women. He talked to women in public, which was not common for a man to do. He taught women the same way he taught men, knowing they were capable of understanding. And he invited women to be part of this new kingdom he was ushering in. They were not subjugated to the sidelines.
Luke, in particular, loves highlighting these stories in his gospel. A few chapters before this parable, a Pharisee named Simon invites Jesus to his house for dinner. A woman interrupts the meal to pour perfume on Jesus' feet. She understood how much forgiveness she had received from him. Simon is disgusted by the whole ordeal. But Jesus commends her beautiful act and defends her dignity.
It makes me wonder if I am willing to defend the dignity of others. When I hear a group of men talking about women in disrespectful ways, do I try to stop it? Or do I stay silent (or worse, join in) because it's safer?
What about people who are looked down on for their economic status, race, intelligence, physical appearance, or any other reason? When other people speak of them with disdain, how do I respond?
I hope I respond the way Jesus would. But if I'm honest, I don't get this right nearly enough. We will all fail at this. But we can pray to have a heart like Jesus. We can ask Jesus to help us see and elevate the dignity of each person we meet.
Next week, we will delve deeper into what the Lost Coin teaches us about each person's value. For now, I want to look at one detail of this parable that makes me smile.
The woman in the story turns her house upside down to find the lost coin. When she finally finds it, she calls together her "friends and neighbors" to celebrate (v. 9). In Greek, the word Luke uses for "friends" is feminine. Jesus is painting a lovely image of women coming together in celebration.
I love this.
The religious men grumble about the kind of people hanging around Jesus. In response, Jesus tells a story about neighborhood women throwing an epic block party. And he compares the scene to the joy God feels when lost people come home. This is quite a juxtaposition!
I wasn't there, but I bet the women in the crowd erupted in joyful laughter. Maybe some wept. Maybe some thought to themselves, "My husband isn't going to believe the story this guy just told!"
And who knows? Maybe—just maybe—some of the women glanced over at the Pharisees and felt compassion.
Because they understood more than most that a little dignity goes a long way.
Questions to Ponder:
How do you think the women in the crowd felt as they heard Jesus tell the parable of the Lost Coin?
How did Jesus defend the dignity of the woman in Luke 7:36–50?
How do you usually react when people begin talking about others with contempt? Today, take some time to ask God to help you see others the way he sees them.
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
The Lost Parable
Parable of the Lost Coin, Pt 1.
Today's Bible Reading: Luke 15
Supporting Passage: Luke 14:12-24
The parable of the Prodigal Son is probably Jesus' most famous parable. It is also a favorite of mine. In times of despair, I return to it and am reminded of God's deep love for me. Whether I'm acting more like the rebellious younger son or the self-righteous older son, I know God is waiting with open arms to welcome me home. It is indeed one of the greatest tales of all time.
But it is not the parable we're going to talk about next!
I know, I know. It seems weird to do a series about Jesus' parables and not include the Prodigal Son. But since many people have already written about it (including myself!), I thought it'd be fun to explore a lesser-known parable instead.
The parable I have in mind is not one of "Jesus' Greatest Hits." It's only three verses long and can easily get overlooked. But it's a story that has fascinated me over the past few years.
It's [drumroll please...] the parable of the Lost Coin!
To be fair, we will have to talk a little about the parable of the Prodigal Son to fully understand the Lost Coin. These two tales, along with the parable of the Lost Sheep, form a connected block of Jesus' teaching in Luke 15. Today, we will explore the context of these three parables before zooming in on the Lost Coin.
In Luke 14, Jesus tells the parable of the Great Banquet. In that story, Jesus reminds the religious leaders God's kingdom is open to everyone. So when they host a banquet, they should invite people viewed as outcasts.
Did the Pharisees accept this message? Let's see. Here's how Luke 15 begins:
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1–2, NIV)
The outcasts and sinners were flocking to Jesus to hear him teach. As I read this, it makes me pause to wonder why. Why did they cling to this man with all their might, weeping at his feet and tugging at his clothes? I think it was out of sheer desperation. They didn't have the luxury of debating theology from an ivory tower. These were the poor in spirit and the mournful. They needed to be near Jesus.
Meanwhile, the Pharisees muttered the same complaint about Jesus they always had: He was eating with sinners. They still hadn't grasped the beauty of God's kingdom. But remember—Jesus loved these men just as much as he loved the outcasts. He wanted everyone to be included in God's Great Banquet.
At this point, Jesus could have turned to them and said, "Hey guys, don’t be such downers. I came to welcome everyone into God's kingdom." But instead, he tells three tales. The stories all follow a similar structure: something (or someone) gets lost, it is eventually found, and there is a celebration.
The Lost Coin is sandwiched between the more famous stories of the Lost Sheep and Prodigal Son. Because of this, it's easy for the Lost Coin to get, well... lost. The image of a shepherd carrying a frightened sheep home on his shoulders is a beautiful picture of God's love for us. And when the father embraces his wayward, pig-slop-covered son, it's enough to move us to tears. Compared to these two emotional tales, a story about a woman who loses a coin seems a bit dull. For most of my life, I didn't give it much thought. It was a less exciting version of the two other parables.
But Jesus had a reason for telling it.
Yes, all three stories convey the same basic message. Jesus wanted the religious leaders to know that when broken people are found by God, the whole kingdom celebrates. God's love for lost people doesn't diminish his love for those already on the inside. There's enough love for everyone.
And yet, the three parables highlight different aspects of this truth. So as we explore the parable of the Lost Coin together, I pray we can uncover a hidden gem.
It's a beautiful tale about the innate value each person has and lengths God goes to find us.
As we’ll see, he’s not afraid to get messy!
Questions to Ponder:
Take some time to read all three parables in Luke 15. What similarities do you see? What differences do you see?
Write down any initial thoughts you have about the parable of the Lost Coin.
Why do you think the Pharisees were still angry with Jesus for dining with sinners and outcasts even after the events of Luke 14?
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
The Broken Heart
Parable of the Sower, Pt 5.
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 13:8; 23
Supporting Passages: John 15:1-17; Psalm 51
Over the past few weeks, we've used the parable of the Sower to allow Jesus to perform a heart checkup on us. We've only scratched the surface (or topsoil!) of what we can explore in this story. But as our time with this parable ends, I hope it has helped you assess your view of God's kingdom.
And remember—whatever the results of your heart checkup, there is grace. There is time to change. The willingness to examine your heart is only step 1. No matter which soil you identify most with, Jesus can start there and do something good in you. That brings us to the final type of soil: fertile—or good—soil.
Here is what Jesus has to say about the seed that fell on this ground:
Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. ... But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Matthew 13:8; 23, NIV)
I call this type of soil the Broken Heart. And I believe the Broken Heart has a proper view of God's kingdom. They hear the message of the kingdom and understand that it's good news. They desperately want to be a part of it.
Now, you might be thinking, But why the Broken Heart? Shouldn't it be the Good Heart or the Obedient Heart or the Holy Heart?
Let me explain…
The Broken Heart finds the vision of God's kingdom captivating. But as they gaze at its beauty, they also realize they live in ways counter to the kingdom. They know they haven't loved their enemies the way Jesus did. They know they've done selfish and cruel things. They know they've broken the peace they have with God and others in a myriad of ways.
And so, all they have to offer Jesus is a broken heart, which they humbly do.
But is that really enough?
Yes!
When Jesus went to the cross, he faced the worst of humanity. All the shame, all the pain, all the evil things humans dream up to hurt other humans—it was all heaped onto him. And when he burst out of the grave three days later, Jesus made a new way of living possible. But it's only possible through his power, not our own.
On the night before he died, Jesus called himself the true vine. And he let his disciples in on this secret:
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can't do anything. (John 15:5, CEB, emphasis mine)
The Broken Heart knows that without Jesus, it can't do anything. If we want to become good soil, we need to stay connected to the vine.
Occasionally, I receive emails from people who share their stories with me. It is a privilege to be entrusted with each one. Most of the stories are about people facing real struggles in life. Broken relationships, addiction, sickness and chronic pain, loss of loved ones way too early. (Maybe I receive these types of stories because I am the "messy and broken" guy. And I wouldn't have it any other way. They move me deeply.)
At some point during their struggle, the person reaches the end of their rope. They have nothing left to offer Jesus but a broken heart. All they can do is wake up each day and say, "I want to follow you today, Jesus. Please help me do that because I can't do it out of my own strength."
And as they cling to the true vine for survival, something amazing happens. Jesus' grace and mercy transforms their lives into fertile soil for God's kingdom.
Only Jesus can take Confused Hearts and show them the beauty of God's kingdom.
Only Jesus can take Troubled Hearts and give them peace and strength.
Only Jesus can take Distracted Hearts and give them a purpose beyond themselves.
It may be a slow process, but Jesus always finishes the work he starts.
At the end of each parable we explore, I'd like us to consider this question:
What does this story teach us about how to live out God's kingdom in a messy, broken world?
Each heart may have a different answer to that question. But here are some of my thoughts:
1. Jesus invites everyone to hear and understand the beautiful message of God's kingdom.
2. Times of confusion, troubles, and distraction may cloud our view of God's kingdom. But the good news is that…
3. Jesus—the true vine—can change our hearts. Through our brokenness, the message of God's kingdom shines through.
Questions to Ponder:
Can you relate to the Broken Heart in any way?
What are some ways you can stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, each day?
What did this parable teach you about how to live out God's kingdom in a messy, broken world?
Psalm 51 provides a great model of how to offer our brokenness to God. In it, King David prays, "My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise" (v. 17, NIV). If you would like, take some time today to use Psalm 51 as a starting point to express your broken heart to God.
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!
The Distracted Heart
Parable of the Sower, Pt 4.
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 13:7; 22
Supporting Passages: Matthew 19:16-22; Matthew 13:44
Over the past few weeks, we've been looking at the various soils in the parable of the Sower. Each one says something about the condition of our hearts.
So far, we've looked at the seed that fell on the path (the Confused Heart) and the rocky soil (the Troubled Heart). This week, we're exploring the seed that fell among the thorns. I find this type of soil to be the scariest. Here is what Jesus has to say about the seed that fell on this ground:
Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. ... 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. (Matthew 13:7; 22, NLT)
That's a pretty terrifying image, isn't it?
I imagine a healthy little sprout popping up from the ground. But then, slowly, thorns rise like zombies and drag the poor thing down to its death. It sounds like a low-budget horror film. Attack of the Zombie Thorns!
I call this type of soil the Distracted Heart. And I believe the Distracted Heart has a low view of God's kingdom. They believe the message of the kingdom is good news, and they want to be a part of it. But they soon lose focus because the worries of the world drag them down. Their loyalty is split between what God values and what the world values.
The Zombie Thorns have gotten their hooks in me many times. There is so much in this world to worry about. I worry about big things like my health and my family’s safety. I worry about small things like whether people like me and what I will have for lunch tomorrow. And when I want my stress levels to really jump through the roof, I worry about today's top headlines in my newsfeed. Each one is another thorn to distract me from God's kingdom.
I find it interesting that the thorns represent both "the worries of this life and the lure of wealth" (v. 22). I love how The Message Translation puts this verse:
[W]eeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it. (emphasis mine)
Worries and wealth are connected. Money is often at the top of our "Worry List." We think if we have enough of it, everything else on the list will magically vanish. But it's an illusion. No matter how much of it we have, we always need "just a little more" to feel secure.
In Matthew 19, Jesus has an encounter with a rich young man. This man has a genuine desire to follow Jesus. But the thorns of wealth distracted him from fully committing to God's kingdom. When Jesus tries to remove those thorns, the man won't let him. Even though he wanted the kingdom, he didn't think it was worth giving up all he had.
How do Distracted Hearts fight back against the weeds of worry and wealth?
We need a higher view of God's kingdom.
Part of the problem is our vision of heaven is much too small. We've been told that if we say yes to Jesus, we'll float off to heaven when we die. St. Peter will be waiting at the Pearly Gates to hand us a pair of wings and a harp. Sure, heaven is a nice enough place. I'd rather go there than to "the bad place." But the idea of spending all eternity on a cloud sounds kind of boring, doesn't it?
If that's our vision of God's kingdom, we will choose the kingdom of the world every time. We will keep chasing the illusion of wealth.
But Jesus' vision of God's kingdom is so much bigger than this.
When God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden, he wanted them to flourish. They weren't spectators floating on a cloud. God gave them meaningful work to do. They had the most exciting lives imaginable!
Think about everything you love about this world. The work you love doing. The passions and interests God put in you. The relationships he gave you. The beautiful artwork you've seen, the delicious food you've eaten, the breathtaking places you've been.
Now, think about a world filled with all those things but without the decay of sin and death.
It's a world where we see others for who they were made to be. Without sin, we become more of ourselves, not less.
It's a world where selfishness, envy, and pride no longer get in the way of relationships. A world where sickness and disease no longer prevent people from doing the things God created them to do. A world where there's always enough to go around, and we no longer feel the need to horde what's ours.
It's a world where God dwells with us.
This is the high view of God's kingdom we need!
If you have a Distracted Heart, I am right there with you. So often, my focus is on today's worries and whether I have enough. But just as Jesus loved the rich young man, he loves us. What he offers us is so much better than what we are willing to settle for.
The next time those zombie thorns reach up for me, I pray to remember the beauty of God's kingdom. It's a kingdom so beautiful it's worth giving everything for.
Questions to Ponder:
Can you relate to the Distracted Heart in any way?
In what ways have you seen worry and wealth connected in this world?
Take a moment to read another of Jesus' parables in Matthew 13:44. How does this short parable speak to the Distracted Heart?
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The Troubled Heart
Parable of the Sower, Pt 3.
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 13:5-6; 20-21
Supporting Passages: Mark 8:31-38; Mark 14:66-72; John 21
One of my favorite writers is the late J. Ellsworth Kalas. My understanding of the parable of the Sower expanded when I read his wonderful book Parables from the Backside. The chapter about this parable, titled "Seasons of the Soil," challenges us not to be so rigid in our categorization of soil. As there are seasons in life, so there are seasons in the soil of the soul.
This principle is important to remember as we explore our next two heart conditions. I've struggled the most with seasons of rocky and thorny soils. I imagine a lot of Christians feel the same way. This week, we'll explore the rocky soil. Here is what Jesus has to say about the seed that fell on this ground:
Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn't have deep roots, they died. ... 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. (Matthew 13:5–6; 20–21, NLT)
I call this type of soil the Troubled Heart. And I believe the Troubled Heart has an incomplete view of God's kingdom. They see the message of God's kingdom as good news and are eager to be a part of it. Many times, they jump in headfirst! They are willing to give up everything for this new way of life. But soon, troubles come knocking on their door, and they become disillusioned.
Isn't life with God supposed to be better than this? they think.
So often, we want the kingdom without the cross. We want the good gifts God gives us—the secure jobs, the happy marriages, the freedom to go to church without fear. But we recoil at the thought of following Jesus down the path of suffering.
When I think of rocky soil, I can't help but think of the Rock himself. Our friend Peter.
Peter loved Jesus deeply. He'd follow him anywhere. But Peter's heart grew troubled when Jesus started talking about suffering. He wanted Jesus to shut up about that and get back to being awesome! (Mark 8:31–38)
And then came the night of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Peter promised he'd stick by Jesus until the bitter end. But when chaos erupted, and the guards dragged Jesus away, he ran like a rabbit. (Maybe his nickname should have been Peter Rabbit.)
Later, as Peter warmed himself by a fire, some bystanders recognized him as one of Jesus' followers. A rush of fear jolted through his body, and he shouted, "A curse on me if I'm lying—I don't know this man you're talking about!" (Mark 14:71, NLT)
Like the seed that fell on rocky soil, Peter's faith "wilted under the hot sun" (v. 6) of life's troubles. I can't judge Peter for this because my faith has wilted over lesser things. I have never faced torture and death for following Jesus. But the everyday struggles of life have made me wonder if following Jesus is worth it.
So what is a Troubled Heart to do?
We cling to the full story of God's kingdom.
Yes, Jesus died to defeat the powers of death and darkness. But that doesn't mean we are guaranteed a life free from pain. Jesus promised the opposite! He said we would face troubles and suffering in this life.
But we can face those troubles head on because we know Jesus is in the mess with us. We long for the day when God’s kingdom will be fully realized on earth, and all will be set right. Until that time comes, we are called to pick up our crosses and follow Jesus into the dark and broken places of this world.
Any message about God's kingdom that doesn't include a cross is incomplete.
So often, I forget this and desire a life of comfort above everything else. My roots are shallow. And when I realize this, I feel ashamed.
But that's when I need to remember God's gentle grace. He can scoop me up in my fragile condition and replant me. That's what he did for Peter.
A few days after denying Jesus, Peter found himself around another fire. But this time, he was eating a fish and toast breakfast with Jesus! Jesus wasn't done with Peter. He had an important role for him to play in God's kingdom:
Jesus repeated the question: "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
"Yes, Lord," Peter said, "you know I love you."
"Then take care of my sheep," Jesus said. (John 21:16, NLT)
I believe Jesus strengthened Peter's roots that morning. And as Peter brought the message of God's kingdom to others, he was no stranger to trouble. He faced trials, hardships, and persecution.
Eventually, Peter was sentenced to death. Tradition says he requested to be crucified upside down. He didn't consider himself worthy to die the same way Jesus did.
How did Peter go from wanting no part of suffering to willingly hanging upside down on a torture device?
Only Jesus can do that.
Peter Rabbit became Peter the Rock!
If the problems of life have wilted your faith, you are not alone. We all face seasons of the Troubled Heart. And when we feel like we have nothing left, all we can do is look to the one who faced a world of trouble for us.
His grace and love will strengthen our weary hearts.
Questions to Ponder:
Can you relate to the Troubled Heart in any way?
What do you think it means to want "the kingdom without the cross"? How is this an incomplete view of the kingdom?
How can you encourage others who are going through times of trouble?
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The Confused Heart
Parable of the Sower, Pt 2.
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 13:3-4; 18-19
Supporting Passage: Matthew 13:10-17
The parable of the Sower has an interesting structure. In Matthew 13:3–9, Jesus tells the parable. In verses 18–23, he gives his explanation of the parable. And in between, in verses 10–17, he has a conversation with his disciples about parables.
The disciples want to know why Jesus always talks in riddles instead of coming out and saying what he wants to say. Jesus explains that whoever listens to his words will be given understanding. But whoever refuses to listen will have understanding taken away from them.
This might sound like Jesus is sharing his message with some people and keeping it from others. But Jesus is simply pointing out an everyday principle: there is a link between listening and understanding.
As I said last week, Jesus is offering a heart checkup to everyone. He wants us all to understand and participate in God's kingdom. And so it's time to step into the exam room with Jesus. Over the next four weeks, we'll look at each type of soil in the parable.
As we explore the soils, we will discuss how to respond to people who exhibit these traits. But it's important to remember it's not our job to label others. We humans can be quick to make snap judgments. It's easy to write someone off as "bad soil." But we don't know how God is working in their lives. The Good Gardener may be tending to their hearts below the surface, and a harvest is around the corner.
First and foremost, this parable is an invitation to examine ourselves.
Let's begin by looking at the first type of soil. Here is what Jesus has to say about the seed that fell on the path:
Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. ... Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 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. (Matthew 13:3–4; 18–19, NLT)
I am calling this type of soil the Confused Heart. And I believe the Confused Heart has a misguided view of God's kingdom. They don't see the message of God's kingdom as good news. They don't see Jesus' vision of life as beautiful or freeing. They see it as oppressive and dangerous.
How did they come to this view?
Maybe no one took the time to give them a complete vision of what God's kingdom is about. They only have vague ideas of what Christians believe, and it is a caricature of the real thing. There's some God in the sky who seems to act the same way Santa Claus does. You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I'm telling you why. If that's what it means to believe in God, they'll pass.
For others, the story is more tragic. Maybe they grew up in a Christian home and went to church every Sunday. But they saw hypocrisy. They saw power used in ways that hurt the most vulnerable. And anytime they dared to express their doubts, they were told not to question authority. Over time, they were given a counterfeit view of God's kingdom.
My own heart breaks for the Confused Heart. No, it doesn't mean I believe every Confused Heart was purposely misguided by others. Some people choose to close their eyes and ears altogether (v. 15). They never give the message a chance to sink in. And if given enough time, the Confused Heart will eventually become the Hard Heart.
Still, it saddens me when people genuinely have a misguided view of why Jesus came to earth. Pastor Andy Stanley sometimes poses this question to unbelievers: "You may not believe the story of Jesus is true. But do you at least want it to be true?" If the answer is no, it might be a sign that you don't fully understand the message of the kingdom.
I publish a lot of devotional content on social media. Occasionally, I'll receive a mean-spirited or sarcastic reply from someone. If I'm being honest, these comments can hurt. My initial reaction is to want to hit back with a counterargument.
But lately, I've asked God to give me more compassion. These troll-like comments may come from Confused Hearts. They have a story about why they are so hostile to the message of the kingdom. A story that may make me weep if I heard it.
A seed can't take root in a slab of solid concrete. It doesn't matter how hard I try to pound it into the pavement—it's not getting through. In the same way, I can argue with the Confused Heart until I'm blue in the face and not get anywhere.
Only God can soften the soil of someone's heart. And the good news is, he does it every day! If I dare question whether someone is too far gone (and believe me, I have), then I might be the one in need of a heart change. God desires that everyone would understand and participate in his kingdom.
I pray to have that same desire and to meet every Confused Heart with compassion and gentleness.
Questions to Ponder:
Can you relate to the Confused Heart in any way?
How do you usually react when you meet others who seem hostile or indifferent to the gospel? How can you allow compassion to lead the way in these interactions?
Do you sometimes find it hard to believe the message of the kingdom is good news? If so, take a few minutes to read Jesus' "kingdom address" in Matthew 5–7 and see how it affects your heart.
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It’s Time for Your Heart Checkup
Parable of the Sower, Pt 1.
Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 13:1-23
Supporting Passage: Matthew 8:28-34; Matthew 9:27-34
Call me weird, but I look forward to my yearly physical with my doctor. No, I don't love being poked and prodded. And having blood drawn is an event that requires two people to hold me down on the table! But when the torture—I mean exam—is over, I'm glad to have a clean bill of health.
A regular checkup offers peace of mind. But it can also help us know when something is not quite right. And so, Jesus' parable of the Sower gives us a chance to schedule a heart exam.
The parable of the Sower is one of Jesus' most well-known stories. It's a simple tale about seeds that fall along four different types of ground: path, rocks, thorns, and good soil. Only the seed that falls on good soil grows and produces a crop. The other three meet various unfortunate fates (eaten by birds, scorched by the sun, and choked by thorns, respectively!).
It's also one of the few parables where Jesus gives us a detailed explanation. Jesus told parables to make his audience think and ponder things. But when the disciples ask him, "Why do you speak to the people in parables?" (Matthew 13:10), he gives them a cheat sheet. He reveals what each type of soil represents.
At first glance, this parable may give the impression that we only have a one-in-four chance of being "saved." Those aren't great odds! What happens to the other 75% of us who aren't "good soil"? Will we be left out?
If we dig deeper, we'll see that this parable is an invitation to reflect on the condition of our hearts. Interestingly, it's found in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). We'll be looking at it from Matthew's perspective. Today, I want to explore its context within that book.
When Jesus arrives on the scene, he launches his ministry by "proclaiming the good news of the kingdom" (4:23, NIV). In Matthew 5–7, Jesus gives his Sermon on the Mount. This is his "inaugural address," and he describes the values of God's upside-down kingdom.
Then, in Matthew 8–9, Jesus springs into action! Matthew gives us nine little vignettes of Jesus bringing God's kingdom to earth. He finds messy, broken people and makes them whole. He heals a man with leprosy. He calms a raging storm. He heals a young girl, turning mourning into celebration. It's as if Jesus said, "Okay, I've told you how awesome God's kingdom is. Now, let me show it to you!"
But Jesus is not a street magician who performs random tricks for applause. His miracles always serve a deeper purpose. He wants people to know heaven is breaking into earth, and they are invited to participate in this new kingdom movement. So, throughout these chapters, Jesus calls people to follow him.
People respond to this invitation in different ways. Some accept Jesus and his kingdom. Others are amazed by Jesus but aren't sure how to react to him. (After he heals two demon-possessed men, an entire town begs Jesus to leave!) And some people outright reject Jesus, thinking he is in league with Satan himself.
Then, in Matthew 13, Jesus sits by a lake. A crowd gathers around him, so he hops into a boat and begins teaching them. He tells seven stories about what God's kingdom is like. (These are often referred to as the Kingdom Parables, although all of Jesus' parables are about the kingdom in some way.) The first one is the parable of the Sower. And it begins like this:
"Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds." (Matthew 13:3, NLT, emphasis mine)
Jesus' audience lived in a world without iPhones, newsfeeds, or Netflix. And yet, they weren't above being distracted. Jesus had to remind them to listen, because listening is the first step to understanding.
And what does Jesus want them to listen to and understand?
The message about the kingdom.
That, Jesus says, is what the seed in the story represents. (v. 19) And the different soils show us the various responses Jesus had just encountered in chapters 8–9.
Over the next few weeks, we're going to explore the characteristics of the four types of soil. As we do, it will be tempting to want to view ourselves as the good soil and those on the outside as "bad" soil. Because if we're not good, we're bad, right?
But Jesus is not wagging his finger at us with this parable. He's not telling us to "shape up or ship out."
Instead, he's inviting us to a heart checkup.
If I visit a cardiologist, he will look for things wrong with my heart. If he finds something, he won't berate me (unless he has a terrible bedside manner). If he's a good doctor, he'll come up with a plan to help me. Finding an issue is good news because it could save my life!
Jesus wants to use the parable of the Sower as a way to check our hearts. But we'll only be willing to enter the exam room if we believe he is good.
And he is. We can trust that no matter what he finds, there is hope.
Jesus loves the rocky soil. He loves the thorny soil. And yes, he even loves the patches of earth along the path—those we might deem utterly lost to God. He wants to work in the soil of every heart.
Because Jesus doesn't want anyone left out.
Questions to Ponder:
Take some time to read the parable of the Sower and write down any initial thoughts you have.
Which type of soil best describes your heart in this season of life? Remember, there's no shame if it's not the good soil. We can be honest with Jesus about where we are at.
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If you enjoyed this devotional and would like to support my writing, you can buy me a sweet tea to keep me caffeinated. It would be much appreciated!