Matthew

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The Sower - July 12, 2020

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Sharing the Gospel and developing faith is not a straightforward, mechanical process, where we control things until we can reliably produce results. We’re working with people and spiritual matters, and the better analogy is that of an ancient sower who casts the seeds out into the field not knowing where they will go.

Matthew 13:1-9

1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9Let anyone with ears listen!”

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Jesus' Easy Burden - July 5, 2020

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In the midst of all the stress caused by the isolation and disruption of the coronavirus, our hardest struggle if often having to go it alone, or struggle with it by ourselves. Jesus tells us to give up the burdens of the world and find freedom in taking up his yoke - to find freedom in his teachings, spirit, and way of life.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."