Lessons from Matthew 13: Parable of the Sower, the Seed, and the Soils
In last lesson’s introduction to Matthew 13, we saw that Jesus began to speak in parables so people might believe. Today we will look at the first parable He taught.
The Parable of the Sower, the Seed, and the Soils
Matthew 13:1 tells us “that same day…” Immediately after the religious leaders’ false accusations claiming that He was working under the power and authority of the devil, Jesus moved out of the house where He had been teaching. He went and sat by the lake.
I believe we see the humanity of Jesus here. He pulled away from the opposition after taking a stand and sat quietly. It must have been physically, mentally, emotionally, as well as spiritually, draining on Jesus to experience all He went through on a daily basis.
Ever feel like that? I do, at times! But the important thing to remember is it’s ok to pull away for a moment or a brief period of time, but we must not remain there forever. And what we do while we are there is important too.
I believe Jesus was sitting there silently, probably in prayer to His Father. He knew He would find strength and a renewed mind, focusing His efforts on His ultimate purpose and goal.
As He did, verse 2 tells us that such large crowds began to gather around Him that He got into a boat and sat in it, while the people stood on the shore. And Jesus began to speak, but this time He spoke in parables, not plainly as He had before.
Jesus used the illustration of a farmer who went out to sow his seed (which they would have been familiar with). Jesus said that as the farmer was scattering the seed, the seed fell on 4 different types of soil:
The first seed fell as the farmer walked along the path and the birds were quick to come and eat it up.
The second fell upon the rocky places, which did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, but because it had nowhere to take root it was shallow. When the sun came up the plants’ roots were exposed and scorched and these plants withered.
Other seeds fell among the thorns. When the plants grew up, they became choked out by the thorns.
And the fourth seed fell on good soil, where it was able to produce a crop of different yields. Some produced a crop of 30, 60, or 100 times more than was planted.
And when Jesus has said these words, He concluded by saying, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Though all these people for the most part had ears to hear, not all would listen and respond to Jesus Words. They like, the seed sown here in this parable, had produced within themselves different types of soil in their hearts and minds. Though the farmer (God, himself) had sown good seed (His Word) into the field (the world), not all would respond in faith!
Why, you ask? Because of the condition of the soil of their hearts. Jesus knew that most were indifferent to His message because it conflicted with their minds, wills, and emotions! But that did not relieve them of their responsibility! Their responsibility was to listen and act on the truths of God and His Word!
People are responsible for hearing and receiving God’s Word.
What does your response to God’s Word reveal about the soil of your heart?
Are you one who listens but refuses to learn? Do you read the truths of God’s Word and refuse to apply them to your own life? Do you think that these lessons are good but more appropriate for others?
You and I will be held accountable for the truth we know. The truth we took in and either lived or refused to live!
What will be the result of God’s findings on that great and mighty day? May it be said of you and me that we, who had been given much, yielded much for the kingdom of God. To God Be the Glory!
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach