Last month I started the discipline of reading the Gospel chronology of Jesus’ life each month. I used Trevin Wax’s helpful book (LINK) last month as my guide. This month I’m using the YouVersion Plan Harmony Of The Gospels (LINK). My plan is to practice this discipline for the next few months, and perhaps longer. In 2026, I will preaching through 40 messages for a chronology of Jesus’ life. So, this discipline is helping me study and prepare my mind and heart.

Recently, I was reading through the segment where Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptizer, was murdered by Herod. Herod’s wife (Herodias) and daughter conspired to persuade Herod to behead John. Obviously, this was a gruesome and evil episode. But what struck me in my reading was not only the relationship to modern day events, but the context of events in the Gospels.

Matthew 14 retells the death of John the Baptizer. But the previous chapter includes Jesus’ parable of the sower. If you’re unfamiliar, basically Jesus uses an agricultural illustration with a sower casting seed that falls among different soil types:

• The path, where birds come and eat the seed before it’s planted. Jesus also relates the birds to evil distractions that that snatch away what was sown.
• The rocky ground contained shallow soil, so the sun scorched any potential growth. Jesus relates the sun to the heat, pressure, and troubles of life that overwhelm a person’s faith.
• The thorny environment chokes out the plant’s health. Jesus describes the thorns as the cares of the world and deceitfulness of wealth that proves a person’s insincerity and unfaithfulness.
• The good soil that the seed is planted, nurtured, and bears fruit with multiple increase. Jesus explains these are those who not only hear the word but heed and obey.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk rocked our society with yet another violent response toward free speech. Regardless where one stands spiritually, morally, or politically, murder should never be celebrated. Sadly many did celebrate Kirk’s death and even lend support to his killer. Who can fathom the heart soil of a person’s heart? But for those who read Scripture, we see this sort of response should not surprise us. Like Herodias, people seek to hate and manipulate followers of Jesus.

Who can fathom the heart soil of a person’s heart?

But the context of the Baptizer’s death offers followers of Jesus a clue for how we are to respond today to the death of Charlie Kirk.

First, like the disciples, we honor and bury the deceased (Mt 14:12). We grieve. We honor that which was good, and we let go those things that were not worthwhile. We should not posthumously glorify a man or sanitize sin. Charlie Kirk was the first to admit he was a sinner. He was an imperfect human and Christian, especially in his younger years. He spoke impulsively, reacted harshly, wasn’t always humble, and some views were subjective. But, many saw a young believer who matured over time and grew in knowledge of God and favor with people. Imagine someone having thousands upon thousands of video clips from portions of your life and offering unfair evaluation whether you were sincerely compassionate or callous. For those willing to sift through the vast amounts of video clips of Charlie’s speech, he seemed to have far more moments of winsome conviction than crude culture warrior; especially if you understand his motives and context of speech and audiences. So, while we may not have believed or appreciated every detail about Charlie, we can still honor the individual as 1) a fellow human made in the image of God, 2) a brother in the grace of Jesus Christ, and 3) a son, a husband, a father, and friend to many. May Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy inspire many to taste the grace of Jesus and see the Lord’s good purpose for their life.

May Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy inspire many to taste the grace of Jesus and see the Lord’s good purpose for their life.

Tweet

Secondly, we are to sow gospel seeds. Charlie seemed relentless in showing up on college campuses or wherever he was invited – even hostile environments. He shared his beliefs and was willing to listen to those who differed. He started conversations instead of silencing critiques. In a world that seeks to silence or shout others down, this is what made Charlie unique in the way he offered a microphone to anyone.

So, fellow Christians, keep sowing truth and sharing love toward others. Listen to what others have to say. Learn from various viewpoints, including those you disagree. Be willing to restate other’s beliefs in a way they would agree you understand them instead of creating caricatures of bias. “But in your heart, honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Ultimately, we cannot predict who’s heart is good soil. But time and circumstances will tell. Like many other churches, we saw an uptick of attendance for those seeking to lament, or to listen to words of hope in light of the world’s chaos. Let us pray for these gospel seeds to grow deep roots to survive the world’s distractions or deceitfulness that can choke the faith life and and spoil spiritual fruit.

Following the death of John the Baptizer is another familiar episode in Jesus’ life: the feeding of the crowds (Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus is surrounded by a massive crowd. Jesus spends a long day teaching to give understanding, ministering and helping those who were sick, and exhausting himself with generous compassion. Unfortunately, they’re in a desolate place and the people are hungry. Instead of sending the people away empty, Jesus performs a miracle with five loaves and two fish. Jesus feeds a crowd of at least five-thousand, if not closer to fifteen or twenty thousand. And they all ate and were satisfied with leftovers to spare.

Then, that evening the disciples get into a boat to retreat for the night. However, they’re rowing against the wind and current, and the experienced fishermen are wondering if they’re going to become fish bait. Instead, Jesus comes out on the water to meet them. They’re uncertain how the Son of God is walking on water, but at least one of the disciples wants in on the surfing action. Jesus invites Peter to step out, and for a moment Peter experiences the miraculous. But, taking his eyes of Jesus to see the wind and waves, Peter begins to sink. Peter cries out, “Lord, save me.” And Jesus takes hold of Peter and takes him safely into the boat.

A third response for Christians in this moment is not to retreat but advance. It can be easy to allow tragedy to become defeat. We will miss the miracles if we’re focused on the cultural waves, but Jesus wants us to step outside our comfort zones. What has God been calling you to do that you’ve been afraid to take that step? Who has God put on your heart to have a conversation with about your faith, but you’re uncertain what to say? Friends, let us be inspired by the courage and conviction of Christians all around. There is new territory to be explored, but more there are crowds of hurting people who need the help and hope that Jesus offers. And like Charlie Kirk, we will not always get it right. So, remember if and when you start to sink, cry out to Jesus. He’s a faithful Savior.