Many hear the gospel with joy but don't continue in the faith
Jesus addresses the question of who is and is not genuinely saved in His parable of the sower (Matt. 13:1–9). It is important to note the context of this famous parable. Just before it, someone says to Jesus, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You" (Matt. 12:47 , NASB ). But Jesus answers, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" (v. 48, NASB). Then, indicating His disciples, He says: "Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother" (vv. 49–50, NASB). Jesus says that His true brother is the one who does the will of the Father, not one who simply makes a decision to follow Him. We should always keep in mind that nobody forced Judas to become a disciple. Judas chose to follow Jesus; he made his own decision to enter the school of Jesus, and he stayed with our Lord during His earthly ministry for three years. Yet we a...