Last week, we began a discussion of Matthew 13, where Jesus gives us a story with a very applicable message for men who are stiving to be more like Him. We looked at the Parable of the Sower. Jesus is giving instruction to those who are presenting the Good News of salvation to family and friends who do not yet know Jesus as Savior. The Sower represents us as we spread the seed of truth. The soil represents the hearts of those who hear the message. The point is that Satan is consistently trying to keep the seed from growing. The more we know of his tactics, the better prepared we are to fight against them.
Let’s be reminded of the story recorded in Matthew 13:1-9. Jesus tells of a farmer who plants seeds on one of the fields I described last week. These farmers used the “broadcast” method of planting. They simply threw the seed over the ground and prayed it would take root. Unfortunately, some fell along the path and the birds ate it before it could take root. Other seeds landed on the shallow soil covering the rocks, but the plants soon died in the summer sun since their roots were so shallow. The seeds that fell among the weeds were quickly overcome and choked out. There were those that fell on good soil and produced an eventual harvest. It is important to note that only one fourth of the seed planted produced the anticipated harvest.
Because the disciples did not grasp the intended meaning of the story, Jesus takes the time to explain it in detail, beginning in verse 19. Last week we looked at the seed that fell along the path and was eaten by the birds. In verses 20-21, Jesus explains the seed that fell on rocky soil. 20 The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.21 But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.
This warning highlights the importance of following up with new believers. We call this process discipleship. When someone comes to faith in Jesus, especially those who have not been raised in the truth, the experience can be overwhelming and even a bit confusing. For some, there is an immediate emotional response that signals a change in who they are. But this is not true of everyone. A person who has had an encounter with Jesus may not “feel” any different. Either way, when the newness of the experience dissipates, Satan loves to sneak in and tell them that nothing is different. God did not hear them or has somehow rejected them. Turning back to their old life is the default they understand and find most comfortable.
Leaving a new believer to fend for themselves would be like having a new baby, then walking away, and hoping they make it. They do not know how to feed themselves or find other things they need for growth.
Coming alongside someone to affirm the promise of God and to help them understand what has taken place in their lives is vital. Although there are many good materials to assist you in discipleship, it is not necessary to start a program right away. The key is to get the new believer into the Word of God and help them discover the passages that promise assurance of the transformation God has made in them.
This is not the time to show them all the things they do wrong or point out the sins in which they are still involved. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is okay to affirm a truth they discover, but we are not their conscience and God will work on them in his timing. Our role is to encourage them in pursuing the truth of the Word and being available to answer questions and offer insight as they mature. More on this parable next week.