Matthew 13:1-23

The parable of the sower Matthew 13:1-23: Jesus taught from a boat as a great multitude stood on the shore. In Jesus' day sowing was absolutely necessary for survival. Sowing is necessary but it also takes a fertile heart. Jesus spoke of the seed failing (1) by the wayside and being devoured, (2) on stony places and withering because of lack of depth, (3) among thorns and being choked, and (4) on good ground and producing fruit. The word of God produces different fruit according to how it is received.

Jesus explained the parable by saying, (1) the seed is the word of God, (2) the Devil takes the word from some hearts, wayside soil, (3) the lack of depth keeps God's word from growing in some hearts, rocky soil, (4) the pleasures and riches of the world choke the word from other hearts, thorny soil, and (5) the word was received in good hearts and brought forth fruit, good soil.

The "good ground" hearer is willing to listen to and to learn the word of God. They are never too busy to learn nor too proud to change. These people are literally transformed into the likeness of Christ by the power of the gospel. Is your heart good soil for God's word?

The disciples asked Jesus, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" Jesus spoke in parables so His disciples could understand and so those who did not want to hear, see or understand would not understand. (Matthew 13:11)