The Sower, Matthew 13:3-8; 18-23

This post, The Sower, seeks to teach what Jesus taught in a parable.

‘The Sower’ describes Jesus’ illustration from an every-day experience, Matthew 13:3. “…he told them… parables,”

Jesus described sowing seed. Some fell on the hard ground of a path. The birds ate them. Other seeds fell on stony ground and became plants. The sun scorched them for lack of sufficient root.

Some fell on soil containing thorns which choked them. Therefore, the seed falling on good soil produced a good crop.

Jesus explained the meaning of the parable in terms of the heart, Matthew 13:18. “…Hear then the parable of the sower: …When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.” So, a person can hear but not understand because his heart dwells on living in the pleasures of the world rather than thinking about God. A day at the lake or recreational activities quickly erases thoughts of God.

Then, the hearts of some people receive the word and obey. But they fall away whenever hardships arrive, Matthew 13:20. “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this…hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. Thus, when friends speak unkindly or people experience some form of persecution such as loss of friendship, they leave the church.

The thorns of the ordinary cares of life or the desire for money choke others who began with a good heart, Matthew 13:22. “As for what was sown among thorns, this…one…hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.”  Close living with an unconverted mate or daily contact with worldly workmates constantly stressing making money, can gradually choke out a desire to please God.

Those with a heart for serving God produce fruit, Matthew 13:23. “hears the word and understands it… bears fruit…”

Let us check our hearts today and stress living daily to serve God.

So, what did we learn?

1.Jesus notes that the condition of the heart determines faithfulness.

2.Today, we must serve God daily.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

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