Just before this verse, Jesus tells us not to judge. Now he’s comparing some people to dogs and pigs…what gives?!
Jesus is explaining that some people are simply incapable of understanding the value of sacred things. Scripture is clear that believers should be bold about sharing their faith. Scripture is also very clear that some people just won’t be receptive, and there comes a point in time when we need to move on. It’s not judgement; it’s discernment.
There are several times in Scripture where people walked away from Jesus. Jesus even told his disciples to shake the dust off their feet if a city wouldn’t receive them.
In Matthew 13:3-8 and 18-33, Jesus compares sharing the gospel to a farmer spreading seed. What kind of soil the seed falls on ultimately determines what becomes of that seed.
Here’s the hard part…how do we handle this passage when the person we’re trying to reach is someone we deeply care about, and they’re just not receptive? Our children, our spouse, our siblings? Do we just throw our hands up and walk away?
There’s no surefire plan to help bring someone to faith, but here are a few things you can keep in mind from 1 Corinthians 3:6-11:
- Pray for an Apollos. Maybe you’ve had an opportunity to plant seeds, but God will use someone else to take someone’s journey to the next step. By the way, don’t forget that God might use you as an Apollos for someone else!
- Be a faithful gospel witness. Gospel conversations don’t always go well, but you should always live out gospel values. Don’t let your traditions, customs or preferences cloud someone’s view of the gospel. Focus on Christ above all.
- Pray without ceasing. Yes, God already knows your desire. But prayer also helps us to remember that it’s God we depend on to reach the people we love; not our own efforts. God causes the growth.
