Lesson 9: Jesus | With Him, We Can Let Go of Control (Mark 4:26-29)

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Lesson 9 Devotional: Jesus | He Guides Us to Let Go of Control (Mark 4:26-29)

In this module, we've discussed loving when it hurts, showing grace, and creating an atmosphere of grace—all essential aspects of walking as Jesus did. When trying to win people to Christ, we might sometimes try to change them into who we want them to be, rather than accepting them as they are. This can apply to our children, friends, or others in our lives. However, it's crucial to let people be who they are, trusting that God is working in their lives.

Appreciate People for Who They Are
In this section, we'll explore the importance of appreciating people for who they are as an essential aspect of showing unconditional love, especially when we are trying to love people into the kingdom of God. The Bible often refers to God's church as a building, with Christ as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22). In the Old Testament, when the temple was being built, the stones were shaped at the quarry before being brought to the building site (1 Kings 6:7). This imagery reminds us that God is shaping each person long before they enter His kingdom.

Just as the stones were prepared at the quarry for their specific place in the temple, God is preparing people outside of the kingdom for the role they will play once they are part of it. As we seek to bring others to Christ, it's important to encourage and appreciate the gifts, talents, and skills they already possess. God has a specific plan for each individual, and the talents they have now are being developed for the roles they will play in His kingdom (Romans 12:4-8).

Whether someone is an artist, dancer, engineer, book lover, or athlete, these abilities are gifts from God, given so that when they come into the kingdom, they can use these talents in service to Him and to others. Scripture reminds us that we each have different gifts, according to the grace given to us. These may include the gifts of prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy (Romans 12:6-8). Each of these gifts is vital to the functioning of the body of Christ, the church.

We must resist the temptation to try and change people into something different to bring them to Christ. Instead, we should allow them to be who they are, recognizing that God created them that way for a reason. When they do come into the kingdom, their unique gifts will be used for God's glory and their own fulfillment. Serving God with the talents He has given us not only brings Him glory but also gives us a deep sense of worth and value. It allows us to fully embrace who we are and find joy and purpose in contributing to the kingdom.

So, as we love others into the kingdom, let’s remember to appreciate who they are now, trusting that God is at work in them, preparing them to use their gifts for His glory and their own fulfillment. Like stones shaped for the building, each person has a unique role to play in the body of Christ, which is the church, with Christ Himself as the cornerstone.

Be Patient with People
In this section, we’ll focus on the importance of trusting in God’s timing when it comes to the lives of others. There was a woman who came to Jesus after living a sinful life. To those who saw her in the midst of her years of sin, it might have seemed like she was wasting time or straying far from God’s will (Luke 7:36-50). And in some ways, she was. But we must remember that God allows us to go through challenging times, using even our sins to ultimately bring people to Him and to bring glory to His name.

Consider the Apostle Paul, who was once a Pharisee—a group not held in high regard by the disciples of Jesus (Philippians 3:5-6; Acts 9:1-19). Yet, God had a plan for Paul, just as He has a plan for each person. When we desire for others to change, we must be careful that our motives align with God’s will, not our own. As 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 reminds us, many types of people have come to Christ, and it is crucial that we remain patient, trusting God’s work in their lives without trying to control them.

This is especially important for us as parents. Naturally, we want our children to become Christians early in their lives, and we might put undue pressure on them—and on ourselves—trying to force that to happen. But we must remember to do what we can: show unconditional love to our children. This means showing kindness and patience while also encouraging and urging them to live a good life (Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6). Ultimately, we have to trust that God has a plan and His timing is perfect. As parents, we must be careful not to force the process but to trust in God’s work.

Let’s also remember the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43). Can you imagine what his parents felt about his life? He was a criminal, and his life ended in execution. What shame that must have brought on his parents, and how demoralized and sad they must have felt knowing that their son’s life ended in such a tragic way. But in the very last moments of his life, he got it right. How patient are we as parents to allow for things to play out like this man’s parents had to wait?

Entrust People to God’s Care
Once we have exercised patience in allowing for people's journeys and have cultivated and shown appreciation for their gifts, strengths, talents, and everything they bring, we must understand that this is what God has been working on throughout their entire lives. He is shaping them so that when they enter the kingdom, they can bring something incredible to the table. After we've done all of that, all we can do is pray.

Now, saying "all you can do is pray" might sound like I'm minimizing it, but in reality, it's the most important part. This step is crucial not only for their sake—so they don't feel pressure from us—but also for our own. There are many miracles God is going to work in our own hearts as He refines us. The emotional difficulty we face while watching people on their journey can transform us. It is part of the suffering we experience when we see those we love and care about struggle to find God. But when we trust that we've done everything we can, we are demonstrating our trust in God.

We must remember, as it says in 1 Corinthians, that we are only co-workers with God in helping people come to Christ. We plant the seed, and it is God who makes it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). This idea is echoed in Mark 4:26-29, where Jesus shares the parable of the growing seed: "The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." This reminds us that the growth of the seed is in God's hands, not ours.

In trusting people to God's care, we let go of the pressure to control outcomes and instead embrace the peace that comes from knowing that God is the one at work in their lives, bringing about His perfect will in His perfect timing.

Walking As Jesus Did: Practical Application
How can we apply what we’ve learned today to walk as Jesus did? 

Getting More from Your Study of the Gospels
These insights aim to build your faith, deepen your understanding, and encourage practical application of God’s Word.

Conclusion
Unconditional love means that we can let go of control—that we appreciate people for who they are, even outside of Christ. We don’t try to change them, but we remain patient and trust that God is doing all He can to draw them to Himself. When we let go of control, we can truly enjoy the people He has placed in our lives, thereby putting into practice the second greatest commandment: to love our neighbor as ourselves.