Matthew 13:3-9 (NIV)
Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:18-23 (NIV)
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
What is your interpretation of the passage posted posted above? And what are some key points you’ve identified from your reading of it today? Your comments will be posted after our group discussion about the passage. Share your thoughts below.
The Word that fell on the rocky path falls on those of us who are going through a hard time and problems and need a band aid, a quick fix.
It carries through for that period but then when those hurdles have been jumped we don’t feel the need for it because it was only received as an alternative to the turmoil that was going on at that time
In reading this parable I believe that everyone is born with the desire to know God in our hearts. God himself placed it there. And just like a tree , we all grow in stages. some of us hear God’s Word but dont’t put the effort to go further and stop searching. Others hear God’s Word in a sermon perhaps–get excited but only for a little while until you are asked to say or stand up for what you believe. Yet others at this stage, hear God’s Word but there is not enough trust in God’ Word therefore making the worrying about things we cannot change or making money god’s replacement or our idol. And just that tree that has reached maturity comes the last stage Jesus describes–that person that is committed to God’s Word, to reading it , to studying it, to spending time learning it, and teaching it to others. He is the one who brings others to Christ.
I noted that the good soil, not only did the seeds grow and thrive, but they bear fruits.
They didn’t all bear the same amount though.
Jesus didn’t say those that bore a hundredfold were better than those that bore thirty.
Importantly the seeds germinate, grew, and didn’t just remain trees.
They produced fruits
Is there some preparation needed before receiving the word.
Some didn’t understand, some didn’t have depth yet some was “good” soil