This year we had an amazing VBS! There is so much work that goes into prepping an event that only lasts a week, but I always pray that the impact that Jesus has on the kids that week will last forever in their lives. This year, I prayed that each child that was here would share their stories of how you can trust Jesus with at least one other child. We had 100 kids at VBS this year, so that would be 200 kids! Imagine if each one of those kids shared with another kid about Jesus!
In the parable of the sower, Jesus said, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Imagine if you and I each shared our stories of how Jesus changed our lives? Or if people took notice of how we lived our lives according to Jesus’ wishes? Imagine the power of yielding a crop of 10, 5, or 1? It’s not just a fun idea. Jesus commands us to do just that! Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”