Matthew 13:1-23

Matthew 13:1-23
Jesus often spoke to the crowds in what the Bible calls parables or stories. The stories were based on everyday objects or activities, but they were meant to teach spiritual truth. Spiritual truths can sometimes be better understood when compared to concrete things in our lives. Also, the parable required the people to really listen and think about what Jesus was teaching.

Jesus tells the story in vv. 3-9, and then He explains what it means in vv. 18-23. In vv. 10-17, Jesus explains to the disciples why He teaches in parables. This method essentially separates the "listeners" from the "hearers." The listeners--those who respond to the truth they are given will be given more. v. 12 God will not force faith upon a person who rejects the plain truth of His Word. Such a person's heart becomes hard, and they will not and eventually cannot understand the truth.

The parable itself is about a farmer who sows seed. Every farmer knows that every seed he sows will not sprout or if it does, it may not survive to produce grain or fruit. The farmer represents the preacher, teacher, or any Christian who seeks to teach others about the truth of God's Word. It's possible that a person will "hear" the Gospel, but will not "listen" or understand that it applies to him or her. This is the seed that falls beside the path. Sometimes a person will be initially interested, but if the person does not allow the Word to take root in his or her heart, he or she will not continue in their faith. "When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away." v. 21 The one who received the seed that had fallen among the thorns is the one who allows the worries of this life or the desire for wealth come between himself and God. In light of eternity, the things of this world are not very important! "But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thitry times what was sown." v. 23

Our hearts can be "good ground." The human ear can hear many sounds, but in order to understand God's Word, we must "listen" to the words of scripture, meditate on them, and also listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit who has promised to be our teacher.