Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it. (Matt. 13:2)
Expanded Passage: Matthew 13:1-2
“Alright, everybody in,” I bellowed to my basketball team. It was halftime, the game was tied, and we wanted to win. It was the first time I had coached my children’s team, and I had made a lot of observations from the first half that needed to be communicated. As the kids huddled around me, their eyes were locked on me like a cat tracking down a mouse. They were ready to listen, because they knew what I had to say might help them win the game.
When Jesus walked this earth, he had a lot of important things to teach his followers. Often, he would make an observation from the world around him, then use it as a metaphor in his teaching. On this particular day, Jesus climbed into his floating pulpit and began to share with his hearers the profound parable of the sower. Every eye was locked in, and all attention was on Jesus, as he gave his disciples a deeper understanding of the truth.
God enjoys listening to us bare our souls, but he also enjoys speaking to us and grounding us in the way, the truth, and the life. Sometimes our busy and distraction-filled lives prevent us from focusing on Jesus, our caring coach. Lean in and listen to what God may say to you.
Pay attention to your surroundings and listen for God’s voice of truth.
Ed Love serves as the executive director of Church Multiplication and Discipleship for The Wesleyan Church and as an adjunct professor at Wesley Seminary (IN). He has been active in ministry for more than twenty years.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
