Daily Bread 2010
Matthew 13
The Parable of the Sower
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear."
Many times a story can be a better conduit for truth than just presenting the mere facts. This is especially true for Jesus, as he teaches people about the “Kingdom of God”, one of his favorite topics. The word parable comes from the Greek word “parabole”, which is the same word used for the mathematical term “parabola”. Interesting the shape of a parabola is rounded like a cone and then comes to a point. In a similar fashion, a “parable” is a roundabout way of making a point.
In particular, parables were used to illustrate spiritual truths, using earthly metaphors. The idea was that the ones who were meant to get it would find the spiritual meaning, while others would only see it on a surface level. Also parables give several scenarios but they usually lead to a “punch-line”, where the point of the story is delivered, much like a joke.
In today’s parable, Jesus uses an agricultural story to illustrate how God’s word takes root and bears fruit. In the story, there are four different soil conditions that yield four different results. Only in the end when the soil is planted in the good soil does it accomplish what it was intended for, producing a manifold crop.
In this parable Jesus actually goes on in verses 18-23 to explain what each part of the parable means, something he doesn’t do very often. In this explanation we see many obstacles that get in the way of the seed bearing fruit as it was intended to do. In each of the negative scenarios the seed was sown but something gets in the way of the growth (ie. the evil one, trouble and persecution, worries and wealth). One can only assume that the fourth soil that bears fruit is able to overcome/prevent these threats to become exponentially fruitful.
What does this mean? By hearing, understanding and applying God’s word in your life, you will bear much fruit. However, there will be many challenges that threaten you from becoming who God wants you to be. What do you think is the biggest threat that might prevent God’s word from bearing much fruit in your life? As you anticipate this challenge, how might you take steps to make sure the soil condition of your heart and life is optimal?
Prayer: God we know we will face challenges as we take your Word seriously and try to apply it to our lives. Give us those in our lives who will encourage us and keep us accountable to living out Your Word and not just hearing it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Parable of the Sower
1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3Then he told them many things in parables, saying: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9He who has ears, let him hear."
Many times a story can be a better conduit for truth than just presenting the mere facts. This is especially true for Jesus, as he teaches people about the “Kingdom of God”, one of his favorite topics. The word parable comes from the Greek word “parabole”, which is the same word used for the mathematical term “parabola”. Interesting the shape of a parabola is rounded like a cone and then comes to a point. In a similar fashion, a “parable” is a roundabout way of making a point.
In particular, parables were used to illustrate spiritual truths, using earthly metaphors. The idea was that the ones who were meant to get it would find the spiritual meaning, while others would only see it on a surface level. Also parables give several scenarios but they usually lead to a “punch-line”, where the point of the story is delivered, much like a joke.
In today’s parable, Jesus uses an agricultural story to illustrate how God’s word takes root and bears fruit. In the story, there are four different soil conditions that yield four different results. Only in the end when the soil is planted in the good soil does it accomplish what it was intended for, producing a manifold crop.
In this parable Jesus actually goes on in verses 18-23 to explain what each part of the parable means, something he doesn’t do very often. In this explanation we see many obstacles that get in the way of the seed bearing fruit as it was intended to do. In each of the negative scenarios the seed was sown but something gets in the way of the growth (ie. the evil one, trouble and persecution, worries and wealth). One can only assume that the fourth soil that bears fruit is able to overcome/prevent these threats to become exponentially fruitful.
What does this mean? By hearing, understanding and applying God’s word in your life, you will bear much fruit. However, there will be many challenges that threaten you from becoming who God wants you to be. What do you think is the biggest threat that might prevent God’s word from bearing much fruit in your life? As you anticipate this challenge, how might you take steps to make sure the soil condition of your heart and life is optimal?
Prayer: God we know we will face challenges as we take your Word seriously and try to apply it to our lives. Give us those in our lives who will encourage us and keep us accountable to living out Your Word and not just hearing it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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