About the Text
(2) How big were the crowds that followed Jesus?
From other accounts in Scripture, such as the miraculous feeding of the multitudes, Jesus
attracted crowds of up to 5,000 at a time. Although we don't know exactly how many were
there at the seashore, it must have been in the hundreds because Jesus had to step into a
boat in order to effectively speak to them. In Christianity, crowds are easy to come by.
Many people will respond to an "altar call" given by a famous evangelist, but
only a few will follow Jesus in a lasting way. Even evangelist Billy Graham claims that
only about 10% of the people who file down the aisles to commit thefr lives to Christ
actually live out their commitment through continued Bible study, church involvement, and
prayer. The problem is not with the Christ's teaching, but with the audience.
(11) Why doesn't Jesus enable all people to understand His teachings?
Because God has mysteriously chosen only some, and not others, to have the ability to
believe and receive salvation. Although it is popularly said that one receives salvation
when he chooses Christ, the Bible is clear that salvation begins with God's choice, not
man's. See Ephesians 1:4-5,11, and also Romans 8:29-30, and 9:16-18.
(13) Why does Jesus say that the crowds will not understand his teaching?
Because people, by their own natural efforts, cannot understand the things of God. See 1
Corinthians 2:12-14.
(19) Whom is Jesus referring to in this verse? Those who are apathetic to
Christ's message, have no interest in following Him whatsoever, and who subsequently
forget all that was taught them.
(20) Whom is Jesus referring to by "what was sown on rocky places"?
Those who are enthusiastic about Jesus Christ at first, but quickly fizzle when they are
teased, mocked, or persecuted for being Christians. They say, "My friends are
rejecting me. I can't take it any more. I give up."
(22) Whom is Jesus referring to by "what was sown among thorns "?
Those who claim to follow Christ at first, but the fervor slowly dies because of wealth,
financial worries.
(23) Whom is Jesus referring to by the "good soil"? Those who
accept and believe in Jesus Christ, and continue to grow to become more loving, joyful,
and kind like Him. God causes genuine believers to grow in their faith, love, and
character, even though not always to the same extent for every believer.
Key Memory Verse
Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even
what he has will be taken from him. (Matthew 13:12)
Insights
Jesus taught in parables in order to further distinguish
the genuine believer from the false. The genuine Christian will understand His teaching
and grow from it. The false Christian will lose interest in such teaching and fall away.
The Bottom Line
Seek to understand your faith.
It is common for Christian events such as concerts and crusades to attract big
crowds. Some come for the music, others for the dynamic speaker, and still others out of
curiosity. The mark of the true Christian, however, is his understanding of Christ's
teachings as contained in the Bible, and evidence of a fruitful life as a result of it.
This is why the true Christian finds delight in the study of Scripture, doctrine, and
theology, though these things bore the world.
Is this the prayer of your heart?
Lord, I am tired of playing "church. "I now want to know and understand more
about the deep truths of God. Iwill contact my pastor for advice. Teach me, Lord. Amen.