Matthew 13:1-9

Rachel Workman: 1 Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. ² A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore. ³ He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. ⁴ As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. ⁵ Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. ⁷ Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. ⁸ Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! ⁹ Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” I love this parable. God's word needs to be planted in fertile ground. If our hearts are not fertile then I suggest adding some fertilizer. If the words just seem like words on a page then read slower. If that doesn't work then read less at a time. We need to be diligent in making sure our hearts are fertile so that when we read God's word it takes root and produces a good crop.

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Allen Michaels:  Note: From everything I have read it’s pretty clear that this is Jesus’ first real parable out of 46. At least that’s how it’s described in the Bible. Jesus did use parables earlier in Matthew 9:16, 9:17, 5:14-15, and 7:24-27 but they were used in casual conversation. Starting in Chapter 13 the Bible now states “Parable” in the titles. I think this is why everything I have read on Matthew 13:3-9 really focuses on what a parable is.

Jesus used many parables when speaking to the crowds. A parable compares something familiar to something unfamiliar. It helps us understand spiritual truth by using everyday objects and relationships. Parables compel listeners to discover truth, while at the same time concealing the truth from those too lazy or too stubborn to see it. To those who are honestly searching, the truth becomes clear. We must be careful not to read too much into parables, forcing them to say what they don’t mean. All parables have one meaning unless other specified by Jesus.

13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. ² Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. ³ Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. This parable should encourage spiritual “sowers”—those who teach, preach, and lead others. The farmer sowed good seed, but not all the seed sprouted, and even the plants that grew had varying outcomes. Don’t be discouraged if you do not always see results as you faithfully teach the Word. Belief cannot be forced to follow specific rules. Rather, it is a miracle of God’s Holy Spirit as he uses your words to lead others to him. ⁹ Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The Bible tells us everything we need to know to be a follower of Christ. It’s up to us if we choose to follow or not. Human ears hear many sounds, but there is a deeper kind of listening that will result in spiritual understanding. If we honestly seek God’s will, we have spiritual hearing, and these parables will give us new perspectives.