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And [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed the twelve . . . so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.¹

After having appointed the twelve, Jesus emphasizes the holiness of the Holy Spirit² then uses a metaphor regarding his mother and brothers³ (to emphasize the weight of the love for God that he requires of us⁴). Afterwards Jesus began to teach in parables.⁵ Consider, why is that?

God warned his chosen people through Moses, “And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live . . . You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.⁶ Likewise, Paul reminds us not to go beyond what is written.⁷ Finally, John gives a stern warning, I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophesy of this book. If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophesy, God will take away his share in the tree of life, and in the holy city, which are described in this book.⁸ Thus, the importance of studying the Scriptures in context. Ignorance of God’s Word is not an option.

Privately, Jesus would explain the meaning and purpose of the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, . . .”⁹ Leaders are called to be faithful to the trust.¹⁰ Among the mature we are called to impart wisdom.¹¹ But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. . . these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit¹² (making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ¹³).

Disciples are leaders. As we follow Christ and abide in his word, we are transformed into his likeness; our purpose has been to bear fruit and multiply.¹⁴ Not all hearts are ready. The seed that falls on the path are like those who would rather follow Satan; thus, the word sown in them is immediately taken away.¹⁵ There are those whose heart is hardened, like rocky ground; they receive the word with joy; since they have no roots, when difficulties arise they fall away.¹⁶ As leaders, we endeavor to win their trust. We may prod and teach them the importance of daily spiritual disciplines; e.g. worship; reading their bible for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort;¹⁷ and prayer. Hopefully, they learn to make wise decisions particularly with the company they keep.¹⁸ There are those who are lured by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, like those planted by thorns, and are unfruitful.¹⁹ Perhaps we can hold them accountable, if they are willing—to seek God first,²⁰ not to be conformed to this world.²¹

Our prayer to our Lord GOD is to give us new hearts²² that is receptive to God’s will, and like good soil bear much fruit.²³ As for that in good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.²⁴

When the time comes that each of us will give an account of himself to God,²⁵ may we hear the words from our Master saying, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’²⁶