Parables - trying to work out my ideas
So tomorrow I am preaching on the parable of the sower in Matthew (13:1-23). The experts tell me that parables are supposed to be subversive and difficult to understand. They got that part right.
I don't usually preach on parables; maybe because I am not always sure that I understand them. I mean on one level, this parable, in particular, is obvious. Jesus explains it to his disciples. And the fact that his disciples need for it to be explained is kind of heartening. At least they weren't any smarter than I am. But if this is a parable of the kingdom, then what is it really saying about the kingdom?
It occurs to me that the sower (God/Jesus) doesn't seem to be very careful about the seed. I don't know if that was "common practice" at the time, but somehow I doubt it. So the sower just throws the seed all over the place. I kind of like this part because I like the idea that God is willing to throw out his word far and wide, regardless of where we think it should be planted.
In any case, part falls on the path, part on rocky ground. Part of the seed grows well but is choked out by thorns and finally some falls on the good ground and grows exceedingly well. Now all of this makes sense in terms of gardening. I can appreciate the difficulties of cultivation in the three areas that didn't work. What I can't appreciate is what it all means. Yeah, yeah, Jesus tells us that the path is those who hear the word of God and don't understand, the rocky ground is those who hear and receive the word with joy but who don't have deep roots, etc. But why don't some understand? Why does there have to be a path and birds? Why are there people who don't get it? And is it their fault?
Maybe the question I have is "who is responsible for the dirt?" Do I have to make sure that I am well prepared to hear the word of God? What responsibility do I have towards others? Is it every patch of dirt for his/herself? Or is God the one responsible for the dirt as well as the seed?
Here's hoping that I get this worked out by tomorrow. Unfortunately, the more I think and read, the more questions I have. It may be that tomorrow will be about the questions rather than the answers.
I don't usually preach on parables; maybe because I am not always sure that I understand them. I mean on one level, this parable, in particular, is obvious. Jesus explains it to his disciples. And the fact that his disciples need for it to be explained is kind of heartening. At least they weren't any smarter than I am. But if this is a parable of the kingdom, then what is it really saying about the kingdom?
It occurs to me that the sower (God/Jesus) doesn't seem to be very careful about the seed. I don't know if that was "common practice" at the time, but somehow I doubt it. So the sower just throws the seed all over the place. I kind of like this part because I like the idea that God is willing to throw out his word far and wide, regardless of where we think it should be planted.
In any case, part falls on the path, part on rocky ground. Part of the seed grows well but is choked out by thorns and finally some falls on the good ground and grows exceedingly well. Now all of this makes sense in terms of gardening. I can appreciate the difficulties of cultivation in the three areas that didn't work. What I can't appreciate is what it all means. Yeah, yeah, Jesus tells us that the path is those who hear the word of God and don't understand, the rocky ground is those who hear and receive the word with joy but who don't have deep roots, etc. But why don't some understand? Why does there have to be a path and birds? Why are there people who don't get it? And is it their fault?
Maybe the question I have is "who is responsible for the dirt?" Do I have to make sure that I am well prepared to hear the word of God? What responsibility do I have towards others? Is it every patch of dirt for his/herself? Or is God the one responsible for the dirt as well as the seed?
Here's hoping that I get this worked out by tomorrow. Unfortunately, the more I think and read, the more questions I have. It may be that tomorrow will be about the questions rather than the answers.