Monday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Luke 8:4-5, 11-12
4 One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: 5 “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it.... 11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. 12 The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved.
4 One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: 5 “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it.... 11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. 12 The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved.
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
8:4–8 The Parable of the Sower. Although referred to as the parable of the sower, the sower is the least important component and is only referred to once (v. 5; cf. its omission in v. 11 with Mark 4:14). The focus, rather, is on the various kinds of soil on which the sower sows his seed.
8:12 The seeds along the path (through the field) represent one group of hearers. So that they may not believe and be saved assumes that faith is the means of salvation.
8:12 The seeds along the path (through the field) represent one group of hearers. So that they may not believe and be saved assumes that faith is the means of salvation.
Study Questions:
- Jesus' simple illustration shows us four different responses to the Gospel. He is talking to the crowd about what an authentic follower looks like. He transitions from "come and see" to "come and follow." He was looking for more than superficial adherence. The parable is meant to separate the sincere seeker from the casual hearer. This is a constant theme in his ministry. As the crowds grew, he narrowed down his message. He was asking them, asking us, "Are you a true follower, or are you a pretender?" And then he gives us parables to help us determine which we are. If you dig deep down into your motivations, why do you attend church or read your Bible or pray? Do you choose which church you attend based on their entertainment value? Are there any ulterior motives behind your religious activities?
- The first heart Jesus addresses is the HARD heart. The seed that fell on the hard soil is stolen away. When God seeks to speak to humanity, just like every time we sit down at church to hear a sermon from God's Word, there is a cosmic battle that breaks out. Satan and his demons seek to destroy every good work of God. He wants to keep us distracted and uninterested. Have you ever been there where your heart was hardened to the message of the Gospel? Is it there now? Is there someone in your life now that falls into this category? Pray for them today!
Pray:
- That you would be a true follower of Jesus
- That you would have a soft heart before God.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
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