Our Response to Christ

MEMORY VERSE: “Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever bath, to him shall be given: and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.” —Luke 8:18

LUKE 8:9-21

THIS lesson consists largely of Jesus’ interpretation of The Parable of the Sower, prefaced by his observation, “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.” (vs. 10) It is plain from this that only those who are given understanding hearts can appreciate the Gospel of Christ, spoken of here as knowing the mysteries of the kingdom of God. It is also clear that the Lord is not at this time concerned about those who do not hear and respond. He made it difficult for this class by presenting the message so largely in parables.

This does not imply that God tacks interest in mankind as a whole. It is simply that the time has not yet come for the enlightenment of mankind in general. This is the time for the instruction and guidance of those who respond to the call of the Gospel and are endeavoring to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. However, the Gospel, or the “Word,” as it is referred to in this parable, is proclaimed as widely as possible. The Lord does not want us to restrict the publishing of the message simply because in most instances there will be little or no sustained response.

The Scriptures admonish: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” (Eccl. 11:6) When we obey this admonition it should be with the expectation that some of the “seed” will fall by the wayside, some among the thorns, some on stony ground, and perhaps very little on truly good ground, as outlined by Jesus in his parable.

The seed that is sown by the wayside has no chance at all to germinate, for the Devil, represented by the fowls of the air, carries it away. Those who have witnessed to the Gospel will have noted that many times there is practically no interest shown, that circumstances divert the attention of the hearers. This would be discouraging were it not that Jesus foretold that it would be like this.

Then there is the seed that falls upon a “rock.” (vs. 6) This, Jesus explains, represents the case of those who “when they hear, receive the word with joy.” But, as Jesus further explains, “these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” This foretold outcome is also borne out by the facts, as all know who are active in bearing witness to the truth. At times there is great enthusiasm for the message, but suddenly the enthusiasm is gone. Luke’s record speaks of “temptation” that comes upon this class. Matthew describes this temptation as “tribulation or persecution” which arises “because of the Word.” (Matt. 13:20,21) Many more would rejoice in the Gospel of the kingdom were it not that it is unpopular.

Then there is the seed that falls among thorns. These “are they which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” It would seem that the seed which falls among thorns endures longer than the seed that falls upon the rock. It does mature up to a point. It is not withered by persecution. The difficulty here is too great a concern for material interests. It is so easy to become involved in “cares and riches and pleasures of this life.” Only by prayerful watchfulness can this situation be avoided.

Finally, there is the seed that falls upon good ground. Jesus said that these “are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Here the thought of the word “patience” is cheerful endurance. These are not destroyed by the sun of persecution. They do not permit the “thorns” to hinder their growth and fruitbearing. To these the Lord and his truth are the all-important considerations of life.

These bear the fruit of love, joy, and peace—the “fruit of the Spirit.” In the following verse Jesus reminds us that those who light a candle do not cover it with a vessel. This suggests that fruitbearing also includes letting the light of the Gospel shine out to others. Those who bear Christian fruit will be active in the service of the Lord.

Our memory verse is a timely admonition. We are to “take heed” how we hear the truth and respond to it. The Lord’s Word is to be accepted without reservations, and we are to be guided by it in all the activities of life. Otherwise, the Lord will not permit us to hold it.

QUESTIONS

Can anyone receive the truth by his own wisdom?

Is the present God’s time for the conversion of the world?

Outline The Parable of the Sower and what it teaches.

What is the “fruit” borne by Christians?

Is it possible to lose the truth through unfaithfulness to its principles?

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