For “Red Letter” Jesus Disciples: The Parable of the Faithful Gardener

Andrii Zvorygin yN-PH2196 mtH2a1 & GPT4
attender of Glad Tidings Fellowship, Tara, ON

1 Disclaimer:

This leaflet is designed for your spiritual growth, to help guide you on the blessed path to the right hand of God. On this journey, we draw inspiration from Jesus’ declaration, ”I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Our quest is enriched by the teachings and parables of Christ, the ultimate beacon of divine wisdom.

2 Story:

In a quaint village nestled beside a shimmering river, a humble gardener named Elias tended to a vast garden. The soil was fertile, and the seeds sown were of the finest quality. Yet, Elias knew that the true essence of the garden lay in its care and the intention behind each planted seed.

One day, an old sage named Benjamin approached Elias. ”Why do you toil so diligently, young gardener?” he asked. Elias, wiping the sweat from his brow, replied, ”To cultivate a garden that reflects the Kingdom of Heaven, as our Teacher Jesus said: ’Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

Benjamin, nodding in understanding, pointed to the birds perched on a nearby tree. ”They neither sow nor reap, yet the Father provides for them. And you, Elias, are worth much more than they.” Elias smiled, remembering Jesus’s words and realizing that his true harvest was spiritual, rooted in faith and trust in God’s provision.

As days turned into weeks, Elias often found himself sitting beside the river, reflecting on Jesus’s teachings. One day, while gazing at his reflection, he was reminded of the words: ”The kingdom of God is within you.” Realizing the divine connection within himself, Elias felt an overwhelming sense of purpose.

In the heart of the village, Elias began sharing his harvest with everyone. He remembered Jesus’s emphasis on humble service and unconditional love. ”Whoever wants to become great must serve,” he would say, ensuring that every villager felt the warmth of God’s love.

Elias’s garden became a haven for all. He welcomed everyone, irrespective of their past, echoing Jesus’s teachings: ”Love one another.” When disputes arose, Elias would remind the villagers of Jesus’s words on forgiveness, fostering a spirit of reconciliation.

As seasons changed, Elias continued to nurture his garden, finding wisdom in the teachings of Jesus. He often shared stories, reminding villagers of the importance of genuine faith. ”Heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of our Savior will remain eternal,” Elias would say.

Church leaders, inspired by Elias’s dedication, began visiting the garden. They admired Elias’s unwavering commitment to Jesus’s teachings, emphasizing the unity in Christ. Elias, in his gentle way, would remind them, ”As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Remain in this love.”

Years passed, and as Elias grew older, he knew his time on earth was drawing to a close. Yet, he continued tending to his garden with the same passion, ever-vigilant and prepared for his final journey. He often said, ”Our time here is temporary, but the love we cultivate will remain eternal.”

One fateful evening, surrounded by villagers, Elias took his last breath. The garden he left behind was a testament to a life dedicated to the teachings of Jesus. It was a beacon of love, faith, and hope, reminding everyone of the path to the Kingdom of Heaven.