It is easier said than done when it comes to not getting frustrated about certain things in life. So it is with the task which Jesus gave us to “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19) The bible reveals to us that as we seek to point people towards the “narrow gate” (Matthew 7:13), most will refuse to enter. The parable of the sower found in Matthew 13:10-23, reveals that the seed (word of God) sown on the hearts of men (by the sower, us), will frequently do little good. Why? Luke gives us some insight when he explains the parable of the sower. He teaches us that only those “with a noble and good heart” will reveal in their lives, true change and bear fruit for God. (Luke 8:15)
Recently, as I was reading through the gospel of John, I came across these words; “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” (John 6:66, NKJV) What was wrong with their hearts? Well, we look back in verse 60, which says, “Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can understand it?’” (NKJV) Sometimes what Jesus teaches is hard to accept, giving reason for some to no longer follow Him. We read in John 12:42-43 of another reason people choose to no longer follow Jesus, “Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” (NKJV) I think we could possibly call this peer pressure; that is, being more concerned with what fellow man may think than what God thinks. Of course, there are those who with “itching ears” will “heap up for themselves teachers” turning “away from truth”, no longer enduring “sound doctrine.” (2nd Timothy 4:3-4, NKJV) Whatever the reason, the painful reality is that most people we seek for Christ will deny Him. That can be profoundly frustrating, negatively impacting those seeking to disciple.
Dennis
