“On that day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd stood on the shore.Then he told them many things in parables, saying, “Consider the sower who went out to sow. As he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn’t have much soil, and it grew up quickly since the soil wasn’t deep. But when the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it. Still other seed fell on good ground and produced fruit: some a hundred,some sixty, and some thirty times what was sown. Let anyone who has ears listen.” —Matthew 23:1-9
Our listening defines the role we play in the kingdom of God.
Matthew 23:3-7
“There are different ways of accepting the word of God, and the fruit which it produces depends on the heart of him who accepts it.” —William Barclay
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“We may listen to a sermon and approve of every word it contains, and yet get no benefit from it because of the absorbing influence of this world. Our hearts, like the thorny ground, may be choked with a crop of cares, pleasures, and worldly plans. We may really like the Gospel, and wish to obey it, and yet insensibly give it no chance of bearing fruit by allowing other things to fill a place in our affections.” —JC Ryle
A listening heart
Matthew 23:8-9
The seed
The seed
The seed
“The kingdom presents a challenge for perception and re-orientation of life. People must hear and respond with a lifestyle that “bears fruit,” that is, a lifestyle marked by obedience to God as revealed in the message of Jesus.” —Klyne Snodgrass
For Further Study:
Scripture: Mathew 23:1-23, Isaiah 6:8-13
Resources: “The De-Churching of America” (https://cdomaha.com/wed-convo/2023/8/9/episode-439-the-de-churching-of-america)
Discussion Questions:
What is your reaction to hearing Christ teach in a parable? Is it easier or harder for you to understand?
When is a time when you have heard but not listened, and what was the result?
How does a distracted heart show up in your life? What things distract you from what really matters?
How can you focus your heart to listen so that your life is like the good soil?
What could your life look like if you were soil with a seed that grows, reproduces, and lasts? What would New Circle’s effect on Indianapolis be if this were the case?
What is one step you can take to listen and receive the words of Christ?
To Prepare for Next Week:
Read and Meditate on Matthew 14