The parable in Matthew 13:1-23 is an interesting one for me. I often wonder about that story that Jesus told about the sower and how that sower threw out those seeds. What about those seeds, what were their needs? What happened to them during their process of growth? Often times, we write off those seeds. Heck, Jesus Himself even breaks the parable down in the latter part of the story, right? For me, living among the rocks and thorns is part of ‘hood living. There are many people living in those rocks and thorns that are extremely talented, gifted, scholarly, smart, wise, creative, artistic, and even pastoral. But because of the “thorny” situation they live in, they have to live out a different life than they would have hoped or dreamed for themselves.

There are several parallel connections here:

• Those seeds have heard the “word”—the ‘hood’s been evangelized to death. It still doesn’t mean anyone is actually living a Christ filled life.
• Those seeds have been to church—for many inner cities, there is almost a church on every corner, but the murder rate is still high? Divorce rates continue to rise. Does it mean they are not doing their “job?” Or, might it be the churches are just too irrelevant?
• Many of those seeds have withered away and continue to go through cycles of church & Christianity—what does that mean? Does Jesus love them any less? Will they too burn in hell? Will only the seeds that made it onto fertile ground make it to Heaven?

So what are we to do with all of this? Jesus didn’t seem to care much about them, right? I mean He told this story to really highlight the ones that grew up well, in good homes, homes with both parents with real nice marriages, communities that loved them and nourished them and helped them grow, and a Christian upbringing that was bar none. Those are the stories we like to hear, right? We love stories of people “making it” and being “successful.” I’m sure if Jesus were around today He’d be chillin in a $15.5 million dollar home in the hills. After all, anytime most actors, singers, directors, or whoever wins a prestigious award, they thank God for the blessing. So God must want success and prosperity for all his people—and for that to happen, you have to be on fertile soil…right? But what about those that still live in those rocky and thorny places? What about those who are continually being “choked” and who are still hearing the word, but when trouble or persecution comes, they still fall away?

I don’t claim to have answers here, but let us begin this very important discussion!

Tupac presents an interesting answer for these people living in the thorns and rocks. However, Tupac presented many problems for those trying to understand him. For one, he was not your regular “Saint” or “Spiritual Advisor.” Tupac gave you his “Sins” and demanded you deal with not only them, but yours as well. That was probably his greatest “sin.” Tupac presented both the hope of a people and the paralyzing negative downward spiral of ‘hood communities. He gave you a new image of Jesuz, but he also had vices such as alcohol, weed, and illusive sexual relationships with women. Tupac was a work in progress, toward an unknown end. Still, he presented a powerful theological, spiritual, and prophetic message that many, including myself, continue to grown in.

Tupac gave a powerful message of hope for those types of people who fell among the thorns. Many times in society we love to see the person who has “Made it” up on stage—especially in front of church services. We want that person who is clean, well spoken (or at least on their way to being well spoken), and “clear” on God’s plan for their life. As a Christian community we do not deal well with ambiguity and doubt—particularly as it relates to issues with God. We want God loud and clear, present and accounted for, right in our faces, and to allow us control over our own life. We also want clear answers. So, to deal with, say, Job in the Old Testament presents a sort of impasse for our modern day Christian walk. What do we do when we pray really long and hard, do all the “right” things, do all the necessary liturgical processes, act out all the standardized sacraments, and still not get the desired results or answer? Tupac began down that estranged road, and was able to consol people through his lyrics, poetry, and songs.

For Tupac, he encouraged a future vision of hope and expectation that even if your life continues to remain crappy, there is still a Heaven for a G. Tupac encouraged us to look forward and to realize that this life is difficult at many points, and even if you had been living amongst those thorns and rocks, optimism could still be realized in the little things, so keep your head up! This worldview went beyond the present situation in which people were in and Pac encouraged his audience to not reduce ones life to the present situation no matter how hard or nefarious it was because life in the rocks and thorns is hard.

Living amongst the thorns and rocks can eventually kill you, believe me, I’ve been there. Still, Pac gave us some interesting messages that I think are extremely relevant for us today—even almost 12 years after his death

Pac would argue for REAL relationships with people: What I mean by real, is the ability to be transparent and open with people. That doesn’t mean to tell all your bidness to the world, but to have relationships that are genuine, open, have short accounts, and realize that no one in the relationship is perfect

Community: Hip Hop is community. Jesus was and still is about community. Our Americanized individualistic Gospel tells us we can do it on our own, however, that’s not even near what Jesus was talking about. Tupac knew this and knew that community was the only way to survive in the thorns and rocks.

• Authenticity: This is simple, be who you are and don’t try to be anyone else. This opens the door to authentic discipleship and mentoring—especially for those who are newly materializing from the thorns and the rocks (I needed a lot of help to get to where I’m at).

• A new THEOLOGY of the Christ: To put it simply, I for one am tired of the “milk” theologies I get at many churches. I’m ready to move on to the “meat” as Paul refers to. Jesus was a deep cat! I’m ready to hear more of that rather than the 2+2=4 sermons I usually get!

• Re-define the emerging urban church; here is what I mean:

– Small house churches are sprouting up around many urban communities that do not look like traditional “church.”

– We must move beyond demanding people to loose their entire identity for church. If Jesus tells em otherwise, then that’s different, but for us to tell people that they need to “Give up” their entire culture, identity, and lifestyle is just arrogant of us. Let the Holy Spirit deal with people and live in community with folk. I know this will be hard for many. As Christians we love to control other peoples lives and then make up groups of who’s “in” and who’s “out.” I’m not sure if that is what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 28: 16-20.

– What are we bringing new believers into? More drama? More dogma, rules, and regulations that will continue to paint God out to be this harsh overlord? I for one am tired of that. Let’s give new comers Jesus—let’s start there, and then move forward.

– Are we giving people JESUS? Pac advocated for pure theology: JESUS, not this Exodus, lets march on the city till it crumbles, sign petitions because Jesus did, end times “sinners” burn in hell theology that most of Christianity is painted out to be. Again, let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.

We’ll see, I think Tupac had some really good stuff to say, but it’s not your Max Lucado, Veggie Tales, G rated version we all love to hear. I mean come on; we continue to want to make the Bible into this G rated book, when in reality we have an NR-17 Bible that presents many diverse thoughts for people. That’s the conversation I want to have!