Insight for Sowers of Good Seed

Have you ever come out of a store and tried to unlock your car but found that it wasn’t unlocking? You hit the unlock button repeatedly as you move closer, but nothing happens. You wonder what is wrong with you, are you not hitting the button correctly? Are you not holding the fob high enough? You continue to get closer and then realize this isn’t your car? No wonder it wasn’t responding.

Have you thought the same in your evangelistic efforts? You present the gospel and strive to be more clear and earnest and yet there is no response. How do you explain despite having plenty of gospel opportunities in America—whether through YouTube videos, radio stations, or online articles that all present the gospel—many people remain confused, and some even reject it outright. Why do some hear the message yet never truly grasp it, and others appear to accept the gospel but eventually abandon it? Is the problem with the message itself, maybe it’s too complicated or off-putting? Or is it the messenger, perhaps they’re too blunt or dull?

While it is always good to examine our approach in evangelism we must never conclude that there is something wrong with the message. So what is going on when God’s truth is delivered?

Jesus addresses this situation in the parable of the sower, showing that the problem lies not in the message and often not in the messenger, but in people’s hearts. In the parable Jesus demonstrates how different individuals respond to God’s truth as even Jesus himself delivers it. Although Jesus shares the story with everyone (Mark 4:3–9), he gives its deeper meaning to his true followers (Mark 4:10). It’s meant to encourage disciples who spread the gospel by explaining why some listen but don’t believe. Jesus wants those sowing the seeds of the gospel to stay committed, knowing responses will vary. Ultimately, we shouldn’t be surprised at how people react; instead, we should trust that God’s Word will have its effect. Our role is to be faithful witnesses. We must continue to pray, invite, and share—the seed of gospel will find and take root in open hearts.

Be persistent with gospel and pray. That is what one man in my congregation has done. He wrote to share the following:

“Three years ago, I attended an Exchange Training Conference at our church. All attendees were encouraged to write down the names of five people we knew who did not yet know Christ. At that time, I listed four people – two family members, one church acquaintance, and one neighbor. We were challenged to pray for each person on our Find Five list, and to purpose in our hearts to do our part to try to point them to Jesus. I am thrilled to report that so far, God has saved three of the people I listed! In addition, there was another man I had on a Find Five list from a previous training conference who

also came to Jesus as Lord and Savior just a few weeks before his time on this earth was done. How can we place a value on one’s eternal destination? Truly, there is nothing of greater importance. God tells us in His Word that He is ‘not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance’ (2 Peter 3:9b). What a privilege to be a small part of the Lord’s saving work. We do our part by praying for and sharing the Gospel with those who desperately need to be freed from the bondage and penalty of sin. And God gives the increase to all who are called and believe. May we all get serious about the Great Commission given to us by Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations, to actively call individuals to commit to Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives. Identifying five people to give the Gospel to is a good start for us to take. I rejoice knowing that at least four souls from my past ‘Find Five’ lists will now spend eternity in heaven with their Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Learn from Jesus insight regarding the receptivity of the heart to God’s truth. Hear the Savior’s instruction to not be discouraged but keep sowing good seed.