Date: Monday, 23rd October, 2023
Text: Matthew 13:1-16
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
Jesus drew very large following during his earthly ministry and he still does today. But his followers are categorized into two, namely, his disciples and others. Whenever Jesus wanted to speak to the crowds he mostly spoke in parables but when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.
Why did Jesus bother himself speaking in parables, why did he not just speak to all his followers in plain language? The reason is because not everybody following Christ does so because they truly love and are ready to obey him as the Lord. Many only want the gift but not the Giver.
In John 6:26, Jesus said to the crowd looking for him, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.”
They follow Christ because they want his healing and miracles. Miracles are wonderful but beyond the miracles, Christ is looking for disciples who are the sincere seekers of him. Those that will be like Mary Magdalene who prefers to invest quality time sitting at his feet and learning his ways- Luke 10:38-42.
You can get his miracles and still end up in Hell but you cannot learn and sincerely follow his ways and not make it to Heaven.
The Lord is looking for disciples; and that is why he commanded us to go and make disciples of all nations – Matthew 28:19-20. These are those who will be imitators of Christ, walking in his footsteps. He prefers those that will not only seek him for what they can get but for what they can give. He will reveal Himself to those who will follow him in faith and be devoted to him whether the weather is fair or dull; whether things are rosy or not.
Many are indeed called but few are chosen- Matthew 22:14. Are you a disciple or part of the crowd? You can stand out of the crowd and be a disciple by repenting of all sins, forsaking them and dedicating your heart to live by his word daily.
Reflective Nugget: You can get his miracles and still end up in Hell but you cannot learn and sincerely follow his ways and not make it to Heaven.