Plenteous Planting!

OUR LESSON for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost comes to us from the Gospel According to Saint Matthew. With Jesus using the form of a parable for the first time in this reading of Matthew, our text becomes instructional in tone. The teaching was meant specifically for the Church… those who were being called and trained to proclaim the good news. Below, please find our text as read from Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. But also note that we shall include with study of nested text occurring in Matthew 13:10-17 (shown in italics)…

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there; and the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:1-9)

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to him who has will more be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says:

‘You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.’ (Matthew 13:10-17)

“Hear then the parable of the sower. When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path.

 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

 As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” (Matthew 13:18-23)

Story Time!

Many biblical scholars agree that during the eighth decade of the first century, the churches of Matthew and Luke included this lesson in their gospel writings. However, this teaching was first recorded in the earlier written Gospel of Mark. The early church of Matthew thus echoed that Jesus gathered all those who would listen and addressed them beside the Sea of Galilee. In the telling, we hear that our Lord left the house and stood in a boat anchored a short distance out on the calm water. From there, where he could be more easily and widely heard, he taught the people using a developed story form.
  As we picture in our minds that scene as we read this witness, we note that symbolically our Lord went into a ship on the sea and taught. He entered into a watery, baptismal sense... to step away from the house restrictions of Israel and symbolically was rowing toward engaging the Gentile nations.
 By using this symbolism, the original author taught the Church in subtlety not to covet stately established circumstance. Instead the congregations were to make gospel proclamations in settings that God provides.
 We note here that also Jesus used a rabbinical teaching method likened to that used elsewhere in the ancient Greek fables. This method, called a “parable” by the disciples, means to “throw alongside”. Thus parables are believed to be a teaching method used to provoke interpretive participation from the listener, so that the hearer gathered hidden spiritual messages.

 All three gospels told the story faithfully. In parable, Jesus told about a sower casting seed upon the earth. As we read, we can quickly note the extravagance of the sower. A modern farmer he was not! There was no clearing, plowing, raking and carefully measured planting, in order to preserve and maximize profit. Also, in comparison and contrast, we note that Jesus talked about sowing the seed in a field, which we can safely guess symbolized the world. This was over against laboring in that vineyard which was restricted to Israel (see Isa. 5:1-7).
 Thus the parable began with telling a story in a setting that went far beyond the scope of many Jewish listeners in ancient Antioch of Syria… or for that matter... any who were gathered in the synagogues dispersed through other Gentile nations. We hear and know that the difference between success and failure was not in the planting method, but found in the stubborn sinfulness of the soil which received the planting.
 We note rather gleefully that historically, in the time of the relative peace maintained in the harsh Roman Empire rule, the earth’s social strata already resembled that of the wide sower’s field. Consequently, Jesus prophetically portrayed his extravagant and ambitious time in God’s planting. It was one which broke the bounds of geography and time, and continues across centuries into the societies of today’s sinful world. I find it astounding that this grace yet comes through Jesus from the Father, who indeed provides us with extravagant abundance.

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 Amid this telling, found not in our reading for the day because of its omission from the church lectionary for this Sunday’s reading, we learn that the disciples questioned as to why Jesus... as rabbi… chose to use the parable form of teaching. They wanted to know the reason for the hidden meaning. Why the secrecy? they asked.
 In reply, Jesus cited a reading from the prophet. (see Isaiah 6:9-10). Thereby our Lord related that the things of God are made plain, easy for those faithful and willing who are to be taught. At the same time the hearing was more difficult and obscure for those who were stubbornly committed to religiously working their own restricted plots. 

 Today, we sadly note the subtle difference between the church of Matthew when relating this message, and the reading as found in other gospels. In Matthew, the realm of the divine is called the “kingdom of heaven”; whereas, the others used the term “kingdom of God”. We might then ask ourselves whether the normal traditionalism in rabbinical Law of not naming “God”... held Matthew to more stringent rhetoric. Therefore, this parable truly represented the state of the Christian church in Antioch at the time. The story presented Christ's care for the church and the devil's works against it. Thus by asking and hearing in faith, the early disciples were blessed with truly knowing the meaning of the parable.

Hearing Ears?

The scope of this parable was to show the early Church that through their beginnings the gospel proclamation would be small.... for various reasons... and sometime evil reasons. Subsequent to that time, in its latter end, the proclamation of grace would blossom and greatly increase. In this way the work of faith being placed hidden in the human heart, planted the kingdom of heaven within our soul and would be spoken out and carried on exponentially. History testifies to this.

 We also note that when this good news and insight came upon the chosen hearers and into their souls, it worked a thorough change in the society of their time. This is indeed pleasant for us to hear, for we who do this work today in the sin and problems of today’s world need empowerment. As we heard also from the apostle Paul in Rome, the Word which is Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit… spreads love into all human faculties who allow teaching and hearing deeply. It even alters the members of the body (see Rom. 6:13).

 Of this last, I urge that you take particular note of this miracle as Jesus enters the nave of your church by the power of the Holy Spirit… and comes to us in Word and Sacrament. In this lesson, and from these parables... we are taught each Sunday to expect a gradual growth out of what often seems to be quiet and meager evangelical beginnings. Forgiven and empowered by our Lord then, let us inquire of our path! Hear what the wise Preacher has said…

“In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.”

                                                                        (Ecclesiastes 11:6)

 

In today’s Church, therefore, we ask whether or not we are truly planting the Word abundantly regardless of the harvest prospects. Do we plant so extravagantly that the kingdom of heaven can grow in grace? Are we a welcoming people who go out to abundantly plant and harvest? Are we adhering to the Word in holy principles and habits so that we stand like those who are rooted in the Word? If not, let us ask of God, our Creator and Redeemer... that we be made workers in wider fields by the power of the Holy Spirit. For the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ… let it be so.
 Please take note! For those who would like to explore this text further, and its meaning within our Christian efforts in evangelism, I boldly suggest that you visit my previously written discussion of this text. You may find this reading by clicking on...

Preparing, Planting and Promise

 

 

May the Holy Spirit guide your learning of  this wonderful task, and give you growth even unto a hundredfold. As well, please take some time to watch this video and how all can help proclaim the kingdom...

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Burdens Heavy or Light?

Our reading for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost comes to us from the Gospel According to Saint Matthew. The early church of Matthew writes to us that Jesus had warned his listeners about social schizophrenia and hypocrisy in the early first century society. At that time, among his audience were persons who could be rightly judged as guilty when standing before the accusations of infantile social existence. Out of this conversation came an important message for the growing Christian community. These words admonish and comfort the church today…

“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places and calling to their playmates, ‘We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

 Then he began to upbraid the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to you, Beth-saida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

                                                                         (Matthew 11:16–30)

Progressive Fashion?

In this lesson we find the church continues in claiming the authority of Jesus. In this text of Matthew and its counterpart in Luke (both having their source in the “Q” document written in approximately 50A.D.), the merits and ministries of both John and Jesus appears as argued. We thus can consider that these were yet points of contention. This speaks of continued unrest concerning the “Christians” worshiping in the synagogue of the latter first century. Some synagogue leaders accepted each man as a prophet, but resisted citing Jesus as the Messiah. For others, John and Jesus were merely troublemakers, for the leaders said the two challenged and created misuse of the Law and traditions of the elders. These contentions, present from the beginning days of Jesus’ ministry, obviously still caused stress among the various factions of the Israelite religion out in the wider world. Therefore the church of Matthew highlighted what the Lord had said about their own “generation”.

 You see, Jesus had voiced a description of that generation as being foolish. Our Lord compared the groups as children who would play and taunt each other from the dust, piously snickering “nah, nah, nannan-nah” even as important processions and matters came along. Engrossed thus in foolishness and argument, the opponents of Jesus were portrayed as frivolous by him. He said that they argued among themselves as life, expressed ultimately through weddings and funerals, would pass before them. History had already revealed to the infant Matthean church in Antioch, that be they Pharisee, Sadducee, or Zealot… no one… not even the witness of John nor Jesus could distract them from playing political games on the footsteps of the temple.

 The description of that generation brought the condemnation from Jesus concerning wisdom, that she would prove the telling. Jesus spoke woefully of them, that they were like persons of cities that had already rejected him. In this section of the reading, glossed over or omitted by many Lutheran churches, Jesus pointed to their foolishness. Indeed he had said that the "wise and prudent" in their own eyes would be brought down, and the "babes," would soon understand and answer.

 We take special note of the writer’s recalling of the word “babes” as those considered “childlike”. From scripture we get that Jesus was not just speaking of those who would be baptized as infants in the future, but also those adults who would be given faith by the power of the Holy Spirit. He spoke thus about all lowly and powerless believers. We find here that Jesus, the Christ of God, reflected what had been said prophetically in times of old…

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is thy name in all the earth! Thou whose glory above the heavens is chanted by the mouth of babes and infants, thou hast founded a bulwark because of thy foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. (Psalm 8:1-3)

 Thus it was that Jesus stood in front of those gathered, and reflected on the scribes and Pharisees. These were those who had proud conceit for themselves. He likened their behavior to children who out of temper, without reason, quarreled with all attempts to please. Jesus knew that the hearts of these Jews were more bitter and hardened against his miracles and doctrines, than those rabble-rousing Gentiles of Tyre and Sidon. Thus being Jews, he said the condemnation for them would be the greater. This was a fate that had been prophesied by one of their greatest prophets… 

For, behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, is taking away from Jerusalem and from Judah stay and staff, the whole stay of bread, and the whole stay of water; the mighty man and the soldier, the judge and the prophet, the diviner and the elder, the captain of fifty and the man of rank, the counselor and the skilful magician and the expert in charms. And I will make boys their princes, and babes shall rule over them. (Isaiah 3:1-5)

 As surely it had happened to Israel in the days of Isaiah the prophet, the reversal was happening again. Jesus thanked the Father that he had hidden this wisdom from those who would make themselves judge over others. Instead he held up that God, in greatest wisdom, tears down the foolishness of those who think themselves as wise, and raises up the lowly. The lowly babes we might then consider were the twelve apostles, and also our Lord’s followers who came after them in witness in the church at Antioch.

Eternal Truth!

When we of today’s church, as descendants of Matthew’s lineage, now appear before God as Father… we need remember to come before him with reverence and confidence. He sent Jesus as the Messiah (Deliverer), into this world to rescue us. You see, only God is capable to defend us from evil and to supply us with all good.

 Note this! Our Lord stated a remarkable fact here in this lesson. The Father had delivered into his hands all power, authority, and judgment. Our Savior thus invites everyone that suffers beneath worldly oppression to unburden themselves from fruitless slaving for wealth, honor, and pursuit of pleasures. He came to free us from the challenge of establishing our own meek future.

  As convicted sinners under the Law… those of us who know their distance from God and cannot obtain perfection before his judgments, are called to turn and face God. Acknowledging our sinful human failure, we hear and know that Jesus has invited everyone to come to him for forgiveness and rest. This was the gospel call made in the church of Matthew. It surely had special meaning for them as they struggled amid troubles and persecutions, for these two verses appear nowhere else in scripture and come as gift through them. The writing tells us singularly that all who will answer in child-like fashion will receive reward. Do not discount the offer… tying yourself to liberal progressive and socialist fashion!
 I know… to accept the gift may seem very simple, even infantile… yet it is clear. Take upon yourself the light burden of the Christian faith and submit to Jesus’ divine authority. That authority was established by Christ from the beginning of all creation.

 Learn of him. He accepts the willing servant, however imperfect. His commandments are just and good. His instructions even a child understands. Memorize them now… “Love God, and love one another!” Jesus taught beyond the Law’s condemnations and its complexities, those burdens that drove the ancient sages to their knees. Our Lord Jesus sets us free from this heavy load, and gives us his easy yoke. He turns our concept of the Law from oppressive condemnation to the greatest guide for fruitful civilization.
 Yes! We know that this requires self-denial for our adult pride. It exposes us to difficulties as we realize our finitude… but the effort is abundantly repaid as we live in this chaotic world. What Jesus gives us is a light yoke tied to us with love. So strong are the instructions he gives, so fitting the encouragements and so gentle the consolations... that we may truly say that it is a pleasant load even in the face of persecutions. This was the message for us from the Christians in Antioch. Brothers and sisters… accept their testimony and cherish Jesus’ gift! Go to him daily in prayers for deliverance from wrath and guilt, from sin and Satan, from cares, fears, and sorrows. Do as the early Christians of Antioch and pray for yourselves and others. And know above all, that in Christ you will find rest for your souls.

 Please be invited to view our video offering for this season...

May The Lord Bless You and Your Ministry!