Luke 8:1-21: Three concerns for gathering followers

With the parable of the sower, Jesus shows these three concerns. 1) for the word of God as seed; 2) that it be spread and the ground prepared; and 3) the character of those who receive the word and grow to maturity. These thoughts are also bracketed by a description of those who have received and then afterward by the discussion of who are his family--those who hear and do.

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy. [1 Peter 1:13-16]