What Jesus Did! 'Just for a While' — Matthew 13:18, 20-21

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: ... The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word."
— Matthew 13:18, 20-21 NLT

Key Thought

Short bursts of faithfulness are not hard. Stringing them together is hard. Sustaining them for long periods of time is incredibly hard. A key part of the difficulty is that Satan never gives us a free ride. He's always in there trying to mess things up, making them harder and raising our frustrations. Faithfulness, however, is about a long haul that maintains its destination and delivers its payload on time. Jesus wants us to know that it will be easy for us to lose that first flush of joy and sink into mediocrity - or worse - if we do not seriously pursue him through his life and teachings.

Today's Prayer

Father, please help my heart to remain soft and my passion and commitment to be resolute as I face the journey ahead. I don't want to waver or leave room for Satan to come in and steal my heart and life away. Please protect me from the evil one and empower me toward the road ahead. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Choke Point
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued:] "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: ... The seed that fell among the thorns represents....."
The Thief of Truth
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued:] "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those...."
Hearing God's Call to Financial Renewal
Article by Sean K. Mitchell
Are you ready to do what Jesus asks you to do with his money? Financial peace and faithfulness is tied to being willing to follow Jesus and also honor the Kingdom in our disciplined and spontaneous giving.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 13:18, 20-21 NLT — "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: ..."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 33:17
"The more you know about Christ the less will you be satisfied with superficial views of him; and the more deeply you study his transactions in the..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Author Unknown:
"Lord please give me the patience to listen, the courage to speak, the honor to follow, and the wisdom to lead."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Has Sheep Not in Your Group' (Jn. 10:15-16)
"Just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I give my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this flock, and I must bring them..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Matthew 5:44-45
"But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!