Proper 10: Gospel, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Stories and Parables. Poetry and Prophecy. The Bible is a volume filled with stories. And the divine Author utilized such a variety of forms of story and instruction that I am sure anyone, with an open mind, could find something from the Divine Word that would capture their hearts and minds. Jesus is always hoping that is the case. And not with a “hope” where He is pacing the floor or looking down on white knuckles. No. Jesus is more than aware that His Word comes with power. All power. He is always hoping that all men and women will listen closely.

So I love the opening of the thirteenth of Matthew. It’s one of the parable chapters in the New Testament that includes the tales and the key to interpretation. But I’d like us to look at verses 1-3. Jesus found a comfortable spot on the beach of the Galilee. And great crowds came to hear Him. Have you asked why? Why crowds? Was it the quality of His voice, or the cadence of His delivery? Was it His more than apparent  mastery of the subject? Or was it anticipation and curiosity? I think perhaps a combination along with the fact that when the Holy Spirit begins His work of stirring the mind of sinner or saint, nothing satisfies quite like the Word of the Lord.

The crowd grew to the point where Jesus had to wade His way to a fishing boat moored to the shore. He sat down to teach; the posture of a rabbi. Yes He sat in a boat. And all the crowds gathered were standing on the beach. Now the point of our meditation is this: do you and I crowd in to hear the Word of Jesus? The Third Commandment declares, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Luther asks “What does this mean?” The answer?  “We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.” A pointed, precious and powerful answer it is. Gladly hear and learn it. That was the position of those on the beach. They were poised to hear and gave away their time and all their busyness to listen. Do we?