STONES TO BREAD

SERMON STORIES: LAUGH & LEARN
#22: STONES TO BREAD

A rabbi and his disciples set out on a journey. “Each of you pick a stone and carry it in your backpack,” the rabbi instructed. The disciples did as they were told, choosing stones of different sizes.

In the evening, they arrived at a monastery. “Look into your backpack for your dinner,” the rabbi instructed. Miraculously, the stones had turned into bread. Those with bigger stones had more to eat, and those with smaller stones had less to eat.

The next day, as they set off again, the rabbi gave the same instructions, “Each of you pick a stone and carry it in your backpack.” This time, each disciple looked for the biggest stone to carry in his backpack.

In the evening, they reached a river. The rabbi said, “Look into your backpack, and throw your stone into the river.” The disciples were furious. “We thought the stone would turn into bread — that’s why we chose the biggest stone!”

The rabbi asked, “Did I say the stones will turn into bread?” The disciples sighed in disappointment. “So we have carried the stones in vain.” The rabbi delivered his lesson, “So is everyone who does something only to get a reward in return.”

There are those who will do something only if an immediate reward is guaranteed. They do it out of selfish interest. Thankfully, there are those who will do something because it is the right thing to do, whether or not they get an immediate reward. Their ultimate reward is from the Lord. Which are you?

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” Luke 6:35 ESV