Sowing Seeds

In Matthew 13:1-23 Jesus teaches a parable about a farmer who spreads seed. Seed falls on rocky soil, on thorny soil, and on good soil. Only in good soil did anything significant come of the seed. And it not only grew but yielded between 30 and 100 times what was planted.

As with any parable we have to figure out what the metaphor means. Who is the farmer? What is the seed...and the soil? What is rocky, thorny or good soil? Definately questions to ponder.

Nevertheless, what if you were guaranteed a 30 percent or higher return? Would you make the investment? Would you take the risk?

Talkin' 'bout my Generation

In Matthew 11 Jesus asks:

"But to what will I compare this generation?"

There's alot of humor in Jesus' question.

Usually when people complain about a generation, it's the older folks complaining about 'those *@&#! kids' and how because of the next generation the world is going to hell in a handbasket.

But Jesus is complaining about his peers...and even the older generation. Those who are the religious and community leaders. Those who are in power. And Jesus makes fun of them...as they criticize John the Baptist for being straight edge and as they call Jesus a partier.

So, in turn-on-it's-head Jesus style...he puts the light on 'this generation' (not the next one) and says "what am I going to do with you!?!?" Because instead of recognizing the Kingdom of God coming...all they did was complain.

Where do you find yourself in this text? Nevermind your age.


[related to 7/6 sermon "Talkin' 'bout my Generation" @ Good Shepherd UMC, Westminster]