In this episode, Jesus is still speaking to his disciples about his teachings. He tells them to think very carefully about what he is saying. But, he tells his disciples, you have to do more than just think about his teachings: you actually have to apply them. The more you apply his teachings in your own life, the more that Jesus will be able to teach and bless you. But if you don’t listen to, or apply, the teachings of Jesus, you will lose even the light that you have been given.

Jesus tells the disciples that His parables are actually meant to shine a light on things that are hard to understand. He says that his teachings are like a lamp that needs to be lifted up high, so its light might shine everywhere and illuminate every dark corner of our lives. Watch this devotional to learn more.

The parable of the sower is about different soils that represent different kinds of people, and how they receive the word: the Good News about Jesus. The seed is always the same, but the soils are different. Some soils are unproductive, while other soils help the seed produce a good crop. So, which one are you?

Do you have spiritual understanding – spiritual discernment – in your life? That’s an important question. Take a moment right now to pray that God, through His Spirit, will open your mind to spiritual things, so that you may see and understand the heart of God.

The question that this parable asks is, “What kind of life do you want to live?” Do you want to live merely a small life, or do you want to live a life that’s multiplied a hundred times because of the good that it produces? So, where do you fit into this parable?

Have you ever been misunderstood by your family, or perhaps your friends, for your decision to put Jesus first? I’m sure it was difficult. How did you cope? Watch what Jesus says in this video and ask yourself, how does it encourage you?

Look at the positive part of what Jesus said. Every sin can be forgiven. Some people talk about the “unpardonable sin” but actually this phrase does not appear in the Bible at all. The only sin that cannot be forgiven is the sin that you don’t want forgiven: the sin for which you don’t want to repent.

The teachers of the law can’t deny what Jesus is doing; that he really is liberating people from the power of demons. What is the one area of your life in which Satan attacks you the most? Do you realise that the devil lies bound and helpless at the feet of Jesus? Hand this area of your life over to Jesus and ask for his mercy and power.

Why does it so often feel like those who are closest to us are the ones who know us the least? We’ve all had family troubles at some stage or another. Who do you rely on when no-one understands you; not even your family? Have you learnt to rely on your Father in heaven for your identity and strength?

Jesus didn’t choose people who were qualified. He chose people who were willing to say “yes,” and then he qualified them. How does that play out in your life? Are you waiting to become sufficiently qualified before serving God? Maybe sufficiently holy, or sufficiently educated, or sufficiently wealthy? Jesus asks you to serve him now, and he’ll take care of qualifying you.