First, the genius of parables, their purpose and the Lord’s reason for using them. Then, His interpretation of the sower, teaching the four kinds of response to the Gospel, only one amounting to true conversion, an event attributed to light being ‘given’.
It is remarkable how the Lord shaped and fashioned his disciples.
All his instruction to them, all his correction of them, every intervention in their lives, everything he showed them was out of love for them. And he did not stop loving them, not to the very end, and of course, beyond. And then, in his resurrection appearances, he appeared to them, and dealt with them in the same familiar, kindly manner that he had before his crucifixion on Calvary’s Cross.
Even in his own time of trial, He made sure that his disciples were safe. He made provision for them. He made sure they were not arrested with them. He loved them to the end of his earthly life. And all his instruction and correction was in the light of that intense love.
Here are lessons for us as ordinary believers – for we are all disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and our Example.
Related Resources
Seven Certain Signs of True Conversion
Are there recognisable signs of true conversion? How can seekers tell if God has worked in their hearts? How can Christian workers discern the spiritual standing of a seeker? This is a guide to the marks of true conversion. Many have come to faith or gained assurance through this little booklet.
Tabernacle Conversions in 1860
The Tabernacle archives contain hundreds of testimonies of those converted during Spurgeon’s pastorate. Many glorious themes shine through, especially the instrumentality of gospel preaching and Sunday School work, the transformed lives of converts and their forsaking of the world.
Stages of Conversion to God
Conversion begins with regeneration, an instantaneous, invisible act of God in the soul imparting life, and immediately beginning to illuminate the mind, move the heart and incline the will. This proceeded in bursts in the disciples. Here is the Lord’s own illustration of this.