City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“Jesus gave them another parable [to consider], saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds [resembling wheat] among the wheat, and went away. So when the plants sprouted and formed grain, the weeds appeared also. The servants of the owner came to him and said, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then how does it have weeds in it?’ He replied to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants asked him, ‘Then do you want us to go and pull them out?’ But he said, ‘No; because as you pull out the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, ‘First gather the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; but gather the wheat into my barn.’’”

Matthew 13:24-30 (AMP)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

Reflection

The owner of the field instructs the servant not only to leave the weeds alone, but it will not be their job to get rid of them. It’s not for us to decide who is wheat or weed. We might accidentally pull up a beautiful stalk of wheat when mistaking it for a weed. Jonah nearly did. He thought the Ninevites were a bunch of worthless, poisonous weeds, but if that were the case, they would not have repented so quickly and earnestly. God did not send Jonah to judge the people of Nineveh, but to guide them. We are not the appointed judges, and that’s a good thing (Matthew 7:1-2). Instead, we are the appointed evangelists. Our job is to be the seed that falls on good soil and multiplies (Matthew 13:23), to make disciples of all nations so as many people as possible will be with Jesus at the harvest (the end of the age). 

Application

Pastor Ji said part of our role as Christ-followers is to evangelize. We can do this anywhere at anytime: at work, at home, even on the road (being kind in traffic says a lot!). And you can tell of Jesus not just in words, but also in actions. Today, ask the Lord who does He want you to tell of Jesus today, whether in word or deed. And pray for that person. Maybe even pray with that person. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for forgiving me. Thank You for taking the judgement I deserve upon Yourself so I can live with You forever. Help me to see others as You see them. Help me to guide them to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.