As we discuss this parable, let’s first ask ourselves, “Why did Jesus speak

to the people in this fashion?” The apostles wanted to know this also, and

Jesus answered by quoting the prophet Isaiah, “This is why I speak to

them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not

hear, nor do they understand For this people's heart has grown dull, and

with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest

they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand

with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’"(Matthew 13:13-15,

ESV).

"We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is

coming, when no one can work" (John 9:4, ESV). The man blind from

birth in John 9 encountered Jesus doing the amazing works of God. What

a life-changing moment it was! From that moment forward, His eyes

would see, and his lips would tell the story of Jesus who had opened his

eyes.

His weren't the only eyes opened that day. The disciples learned that

infirmity isn't always inherited from another's sin. The Pharisees

discovered that witnessing God's glory matters more than their Sabbath

regulations. Eyes opened to God's work, God's power, God's Son, and

God's grace.

When I read this week’s parable, I think about the master’s return for more

workers and remember: the call to follow Jesus is for ALL.

In the Great Commission, Jesus commands, "Go therefore and make disciples

of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and

of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19, ESV).

Paul declares in Titus, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation

for ALL people" (Titus 2:11, ESV).

To Timothy, he writes that God "desires ALL people to be saved and to come

to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:3-4, ESV).

Peter reminds scattered believers that the Lord is "not wishing that any

should perish, but that ALL should reach repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, ESV).

And Paul emphasizes that Christ "died for ALL" (2 Corinthians 5:15, ESV).