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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