Church is a "Mixed Bag" - Luke 8:1-21

Church is a "Mixed Bag" - Luke 8:1-21

Jesus spent time with all kinds of people and it wasn’t just the super-devoted ones he revealed himself to, it was like a mixed bag of people from all different walks of life and thought processes.  Just because they were around him didn’t mean that they were understanding or committed to what he said.  In the parable of the four soils, Jesus uses this parable to reveal that the seeds the sower sows, will fall on different types of soil. Jesus tells this to show the truth He is teaching is similar in that it will fall onto different hearts and ears and then each person will respond differently according to the soil of their hearts. 

If you're the first kind of soil, that falls on the path and is trampled underfoot and sees no need explore these things, then we’re just glad you’re here at church and we hope you’ll stay long enough to hear a little more and meet some good people.  If you’re the second kind of soil, that falls onto the rocks and withers because of no moisture and has no root, then we just wanna say we know life is hard, and if you stick around to listen to the words Jesus then He will make things clear and give you hope. If you’re the third kind of soil, that falls into the thorns and get's chocked and lets the pleasures of life become distracting, then we hope you can remember that pleasures can be a gift or a goal.  If they’re a gift they can be enjoyed sincerely, but when they become a goal they’ll lead to isolation and loneliness.  If you’re the fourth kind of soil, that falls onto good soil and produces fruit, then stay strong and remember thorns are always ready to grow and arrogance may be just two steps away – ready to blind you from your own rocks and thorns.  

Jesus is teaching here the importance that we need to recognize the Church is a "mixed bag" of people and everyone is on a varying continuum. It is essential that we aren't looking at other people and judging them for what soil they are, but rather make sure we have identified the soil of our own hearts. If we are found in the first 3 soils then it would be helpful for us to consider pursuing friendship with someone of good soil; steady, accepting, and present with you, and take care how you hear what Jesus is saying. When it comes to the church, it’s a mixed bag as well.  If we are healthy, within our community of the church it’s gonna be a mixed bag of soils. Jesus expected it and we should too. 

Questions for Reflection: 

1. How are you recognizing, receiving and accepting what Jesus says?

2. What kind of soil are you at present? What keeps you from being the next kind of soil?

3. What is happening in your life right now that relates to this passage?

Contributed by: Sky Cady