Matthew 13:3-9 (ESV)
And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.”
Jesus was fond of using parables to teach and illustrate deep spiritual truths. Matthew 13 captures a series of these parables which were taught to the crowds that gathered around Jesus. The first parable that Jesus taught them, and our focus for today, is the one that has come to be called, ‘The Parable of the Sower’. Here, Jesus tells the story of a sower who went out to sow and as he went about his business, the seeds fell on four different kinds of grounds – the path, the rocks, the thorns, and the good soil. The ones that fell on the path were devoured by the birds. The ones that fell on rocky ground were scorched by the sun since they did not have much soil. The ones that fell among thorns were chocked and the ones that fell on good soil produced grain, up to a hundredfold.
Later on, in this chapter (Matthew 13:18-23), Jesus explains this parable. The seed that was sown is the word of God and the different grounds on which the seeds fell represent the different hearts that receive God’s word. The first one represents those who hear God’s Word but do not understand it and the evil one comes and snatches it away. The second one represent those who receive the word initially with joy, but they lack root such that when they are faced with tribulation, they fall away. The third one represents those who receive the word, but it is choked by the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches. Lastly, the third ground represents those who hear the word and understand it. It is they who bear fruit in line with the word they have received.
Notice that in this parable the farmer is the same and the seed is the same. The only difference is the type of ground, or if you like the type of heart. The state of our hearts as we receive God’s word matters. It is what determines whether we will bear fruit or not. And as Luke 8:18 reminds us: _“Consider carefully how you listen.”_
Reflections
1. Which is your favourite parable in the Bible?
2. Of the four grounds, or hearts, which one would you say best describes you? Why?
3. What do you need to do to make your heart become the good soil?
