24  Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” 

Last week the passage centered on the different soils and the effect it had on growth of the plants, This week the focus for our illustrations is on the seed, the farmer and the crops. Remember some things about parables. First, they are illustrations pointing to spiritual truths. Usually, they make a point in teaching. Everything in the parable doesn’t necessarily represent something else. What are the main points of these parables?

The farmer’s responsibility is to sow the seed. After the soil is prepared, he spreads out the seed. Just as the farmer spreads the seed so we are to spread the good news of Christ. The farmer ultimately is responsible for a crop. He must plant the seeds.

I was reading the testimonials of churches that had expanded rapidly in a few years. The pastor of Frazer Memorial church discovered most of their church growth came by transfers rather than conversions. When you look at your membership, ask how many came from other churches and how many are children of the present members? How many community people received the Lord? Most were of the first two categories by transfer and by birth .  Then pastor asked members to pray for conversions. During the next two years conversion growth almost doubled.

He wrote, “Our research showed the church families came from one subdivision. We began to look for reasons and discovered that the first people who moved into that area were enthusiastic Christians who welcomed new people into the neighborhood and invited them to church. Consequently, as new people moved in, they were invited to church. One of our most important strategies for evangelism therefore is to make people aware of their responsibly in witnessing and inviting through their natural network of social contacts. Many people have come to Frazer Memorial because people invited them, and they heard the gospel.”

Unless we take seriously the job of spreading the seed, which is the responsibility of all believers, there is little growth. Who are you praying for that is lost? I think of the chorus, "Lord lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me, and may I humbly do my part to win that soul for thee.”

Application:  Don’t stop praying but also ask and seek opportunities to tell your testimony or invite them to church, Lets claim people and invite them to join you in church or a special event. Maybe it begins with giving them a book or tract, or video.  What are ways you might spread the seed?

Prayer:  Lord, I pray that You reveal to me this week special moments to spread the see of Your Powerful Word.