Recognize the condition of our hearts as the soil in which the seed of the Gospel is planted, and to make conscious choices to create an environment where our relationship with God can grow.
Today we're going to talk about our hearts and how they're like soil for the good news of Jesus. We're going to look at a story Jesus told in the Bible, called the Parable of the Sower. You can find it in Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23.
So, let's start with a cool object lesson. I want you all to grab a handful of soil from this bag I'm passing around. Hold onto it, and we'll come back to it later.
Our hearts are like soil for the good news of Jesus.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus talks about a farmer who goes out to plant seeds. The seeds represent the good news about Jesus, and the different types of soil represent our hearts. Jesus says there are four types of soil, or hearts, that the seeds can fall on. Let's take a look at each one.
1. Hardened or oblivious heart (Matthew 13:19): This is like the seed that falls on a path and gets eaten by birds. If our hearts are hardened or we're just not paying attention, the good news won't take root in our lives.
2. Troubled heart (Matthew 13:20-21): This is like the seed that falls on rocky ground. It starts to grow, but because there's not much soil, it doesn't last long. When life gets tough, we need deep roots in Jesus to help us through it.
3. Distracted heart (Matthew 13:22): This is like the seed that falls among thorns. The worries and distractions of life choke out the good news, and it doesn't grow.
4. Fertile heart (Matthew 13:23): This is like the seed that falls on good soil. It grows strong and produces a lot of fruit.
Now, let's go back to that soil you're holding. What kind of soil is it? Is it hard and dry, or is it soft and fertile? Think about your own heart. What kind of soil is it right now?
We need to make sure our hearts are like good soil, ready to receive the good news of Jesus and let it grow in our lives. This week, try spending some time in prayer, reading the Bible, and talking to a friend or leader about any struggles you're facing. Let's work on making our hearts fertile soil for Jesus.
"God, help us to have hearts that are open and ready to receive Your good news. Show us how to grow deep roots in You, so we can stand strong in tough times and produce good fruit in our lives. Amen."
1. Which type of soil do you think best represents your heart right now? Why?
2. What are some distractions in your life that might be preventing your spiritual growth?
3. How can you work on improving the condition of your heart to be more receptive to the Gospel?
4. Share a time when you felt like your heart was fertile soil for the Gospel. What was different about that time in your life?
5. How can we support each other in our efforts to create a fertile environment for spiritual growth?
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