Matthew 13:18-23

Listen, then, and learn. Jesus tells them plainly the meaning of the parable about the Sower. Christ (and the messianic community) is the sower. Luke says the seed is the word of God (the Good News about the Kingdom see Matthew 16:18-19). Note that in each case, the seed is the same, and it is the soil that makes the difference. The soil symbolizes the reaction of the one who hears. The Path. This person is "Too hard" because of: sin, indifference, prejudice, false teaching, etc. The Rocky Soil. This person has no strong conviction of belief: not really committed to Christ, and therefore unwilling to "pay the price" to follow Jesus (Luke 14:27). Soil with Thorns on it. This person is committed to Jesus, but is so busy with the worries of this life (1 John 2:15-17), the love for riches (1 Timothy 6:7-10), and pleasures, that the seed of the word is choked out. The Good Soil. This person finds new life in Jesus, and give him the highest priority of importance (Matthew 10:37-39). This person loves the Truth and works to honor Christ and God (1 Corinthians 15:58). Matthew mentions three levels of "fruit bearing," but all will receive the same gift of Eternal Life (Compare Matthew 20:1-16). To us TODAY: scatter the seed of the Word so the soil will have its chance to react and show what type ti is.