A beautiful Latin phrase; when translated, literally means "the truth will set you free", which is also the motto of Johns Hopkins University. How marvellous is that? So simple yet so elegant; there is so much meaning behind it. It is also a phrase truly befitting of the Bible for it is said that when you read the Bible, it reflects who you are and should be. The Bible doesn't just reveal the truth to us, it sets us free!
I do apologise for having been inactive for over a month or so. It's been a really hectic last couple of weeks and I finally found time between my commitments to gather my thoughts to just share a little nugget of truth. First of all, however, I'd like to give thanks to my Bible Study leader, Uncle Chien Chuan for guiding our group and helping us gain insights to the lessons on discipleship. Thank you for being there for me too, as a mentor and as a friend, especially in my darkest hours, and just for being that mustard tree. I'd also like to give thanks to my Bible Study group for their fellowship, companionship, never-ending support and insights during discussions. You're all amazing! And most importantly, I'd like to thank God, for always being there and being a huge source of comfort. It is truly heartening to know that you have been, are and will be always there for me!
This particular post will explore the lessons of 'The Principles of Discipleship' in Matthew 13. Most of these points and thoughts have been imparted from Uncle Chien Chuan whereas some are subjected to my own interpretation. Nonetheless, all these aren't probably as deeply analyzed as content that can be found online but I do believe it provides a fresh perspective to take on the parables of Matthew 13. Hopefully, this short discussion can provide you with some inspiration and insight to the Lord's Kingdom!
To understand the parabolic discourse of Matthew, or the whole book of Matthew for that matter, it is important to note that everything should be understood as a whole and not in isolation. Hence, let us take a brief look at the 5 main discourses in Matthew and their key lessons:
Matthew: The Book of Discipleship
1) Matthew 5-7: Call to True Discipleship
2) Matthew 10: Cost of Discipleship
3) Matthew 13: Principles of Discipleship
4) Matthew 18: Pitfalls of Discipleship
5) Matthew 24: Watchful Discipleship
(An interesting way to perceive the discourses of Matthew and to give them meaning - by Uncle Chien Chuan)
Let's now zoom in to Matthew 13: Principles of Discipleship. This chapter provides us with a number of parables, 8 to be exact, and each having a particular thing to say about the Kingdom of Heaven. Again, to be understand each parable, we'd have to understand them as a collective whole and thus, we'll put them into perspective with contextual meaning (again, by the inspiring analysis of Uncle Chien Chuan). This time, we'll look at them in similar pairs:
Matthew 13: Principles of Discipleship
1) Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Home Owner: Parables of Personal Choice
2) Parable of the Weeds and the Parable of the Net: Parables of the Good
3) Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Parable of the Yeast: Parables of the Great
4) Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Parable of the Pearl: Parables of the Rich
At first sight, this seems a little over-analytical. Trust me, it isn't. Read on and you'll see the big picture! Let's begin, shall we?
Parables of Personal Choice
For the sake of simplicity, we'll focus on the discussion of the parable of the sower. This parable is seemingly straightforward, it's a matter of personal choice. However, there is great beauty to this parable and within it lies an endearing question. Let's explore the following points:
Firstly, let us look at the similarity of the soils described in this parable. They are ALL fertile soil. Yes, each type of soil may not be fruitful but the text never explicitly states that only the good soil was fertile.
Next, let us break down the different kinds of soil:
1) The soil of the Path: One that lacks softness. Anyone who hardens their heart to the word (seed) will simply be taken away by the evil one (birds came and ate it up). This type of soil is generally used to describe a person who leaves no room in his heart to accept the word.
2) The soil of the Rocks: One that lacks depth. It is important to note that this seed was not completely unfruitful, surprisingly, it sprung up really quickly. However, it did not last against the scorching heat of the sun. This type of soil is used to describe a person who may be enthusiastic in the faith initially after receiving the word but his passion soon dies out due to a lack of depth and understanding of the word.
3) The soil of the Thorns: One that lacks purity. Essentially, the 'thorns' of the world choke us and causes us to become worried, distressed, impure, distracted and disillusioned. Some types of 'thorns' include worries of life, deceitfulness of wealth, desires and pleasures. This type of soil is used to describe a person who is preoccupied with things of this world that are of carnal nature.
4) The soil that is Good: One that is not lacking in any way. This soil is perfect - it is soft and welcoming, deep and rooted, pure and focused. It describes someone who hears, understands the word, accepts it, believes in it with all his faith, seeks to deepen his understanding of it and remains true to it.
Again, it seems straightforward. However, there is more to this parable than simply knowing the consequences of how we react to the word. It is a parable that keeps our spiritual condition in check. Here is the key question:
How is your heart and your character?
Firstly, let us look at the similarity of the soils described in this parable. They are ALL fertile soil. Yes, each type of soil may not be fruitful but the text never explicitly states that only the good soil was fertile.
Next, let us break down the different kinds of soil:
1) The soil of the Path: One that lacks softness. Anyone who hardens their heart to the word (seed) will simply be taken away by the evil one (birds came and ate it up). This type of soil is generally used to describe a person who leaves no room in his heart to accept the word.
2) The soil of the Rocks: One that lacks depth. It is important to note that this seed was not completely unfruitful, surprisingly, it sprung up really quickly. However, it did not last against the scorching heat of the sun. This type of soil is used to describe a person who may be enthusiastic in the faith initially after receiving the word but his passion soon dies out due to a lack of depth and understanding of the word.
3) The soil of the Thorns: One that lacks purity. Essentially, the 'thorns' of the world choke us and causes us to become worried, distressed, impure, distracted and disillusioned. Some types of 'thorns' include worries of life, deceitfulness of wealth, desires and pleasures. This type of soil is used to describe a person who is preoccupied with things of this world that are of carnal nature.
4) The soil that is Good: One that is not lacking in any way. This soil is perfect - it is soft and welcoming, deep and rooted, pure and focused. It describes someone who hears, understands the word, accepts it, believes in it with all his faith, seeks to deepen his understanding of it and remains true to it.
Again, it seems straightforward. However, there is more to this parable than simply knowing the consequences of how we react to the word. It is a parable that keeps our spiritual condition in check. Here is the key question:
How is your heart and your character?
Have we hardened our hearts to what God has to say to us everyday? Have we been too full of ourselves to rely on our own strength and understanding and failed to trust in God? How about our desire to learn more about God? Have we been doing what we should be doing, to become more Christlike? Or have we forgotten that our obedience is the key to abiding in Christ? Have we been too concerned, too worried about our daily troubles of life? Or have we become too distracted by our worldly desires to pay any attention at all to the Bible?
You see, this chapter of Matthew deals with the principles of discipleship. And to be a disciple means to be a student or a learner. When Jesus called his disciples 'disciples', he was really calling them to learn and follow. Note that in verse 12, "Whoever has will be given more..." - "has" really refers to having the desire to know God. Do YOU have the desire to know God?
On hindsight, we may see all the different types of soils in ourselves at different times. We are not exclusively one particular type of soil. However, one thing remains unchanged: if we are consistently changing between the different kinds of soil and fail to remain as the 'good soil', then we will never become fruitful.
We have the potential to become good, great or rich, but it all lies in our personal choice. How we choose to treat the word of God determines who we become in life.
Suppose we decide to set our hearts in the right direction. Now then, how will we become good, great or rich? I shall leave that for another time in part 2 (partly due to my hands becoming tired)
Take care and have a good weekend!
Matt
