Parable of the Sower Explained - Matthew 13:18-23
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.”
Reflection: Remember parables were probably the most common literary device Jesus used to teach about what God's kingdom is like, and how it comes to earth as it is in heaven. Parables take common, everyday occurrences that everybody could relate to, and then Jesus uses them as an analogy into the spiritual realm. They are an earthly analogy with spiritual meaning and purpose. This is one of the few parables where Jesus takes the time to walk the disciples through the meaning of the parable to make sure they are tracking with him. If He is going to one day entrust the furtherance of the kingdom to them, he wants to make sure they understand the most basic principles of it's working.
And there is nothing more basic or fundamental in the Christian faith than sowing the seed of the Word, which Matthew describes as the message of the kingdom. I think I have been saying ad nauseum that Matthew's gospel has been all about Jesus the Son of God living, teaching and being about bringing in the Kingdom of heaven to earth. Here in this parable we see several principles outlined about the nature and outcomes of sowing God's Word.
As a Lutheran pastor, I am reminded that there was probably no principle greater than the Word being preached and taught rightly, in the writings of the great reformer Martin Luther. And John Calvin, the great Swiss reformer, was also likewise committed to the power, efficacy and necessity for Christians to know the Word and live according to it. And of course we know from John 1, the a Word is Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Jesus, the Word (logos), was with God before the Creation of the world and became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
But we see in the passage out of the four outcomes described in the sowing of the Word, only one is favorable. In every negative outcome there is something that prevents the seed (the Word) from taking root. Sometimes it doesn't take root at at all, and in other instances it does temporarily and either the devil or the cares of the world prevent the outcome God has in mind for the seed from the beginning. And what is that outcome? To take root, grow and produce a harvest 30, 60, or 100 times over.
So does this mean for us today? The great need in the Church today is not a better band or sermon PowerPoint illustration, but the Word being preached and taught rightly in the power of the Holy Spirit. We have seen many attacks on God's Word, but we know it is a Mighty Fortress that will never let us down. Jesus gave His disciples one main task before he left, "Feed my sheep!" Are you hungry for God Word? I pray that through this Daily Bread each day you are well fed!
Jesus, incarnate Word of God, cause your Word to continue to grow in us as we become your disciples by living according to it. Make us aware of the obstacles in our lives that prevent us from hearing your word, obeying it and bearing fruit 100, 60, 30 times over. Amen.
Reflection: Remember parables were probably the most common literary device Jesus used to teach about what God's kingdom is like, and how it comes to earth as it is in heaven. Parables take common, everyday occurrences that everybody could relate to, and then Jesus uses them as an analogy into the spiritual realm. They are an earthly analogy with spiritual meaning and purpose. This is one of the few parables where Jesus takes the time to walk the disciples through the meaning of the parable to make sure they are tracking with him. If He is going to one day entrust the furtherance of the kingdom to them, he wants to make sure they understand the most basic principles of it's working.
And there is nothing more basic or fundamental in the Christian faith than sowing the seed of the Word, which Matthew describes as the message of the kingdom. I think I have been saying ad nauseum that Matthew's gospel has been all about Jesus the Son of God living, teaching and being about bringing in the Kingdom of heaven to earth. Here in this parable we see several principles outlined about the nature and outcomes of sowing God's Word.
As a Lutheran pastor, I am reminded that there was probably no principle greater than the Word being preached and taught rightly, in the writings of the great reformer Martin Luther. And John Calvin, the great Swiss reformer, was also likewise committed to the power, efficacy and necessity for Christians to know the Word and live according to it. And of course we know from John 1, the a Word is Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Jesus, the Word (logos), was with God before the Creation of the world and became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
But we see in the passage out of the four outcomes described in the sowing of the Word, only one is favorable. In every negative outcome there is something that prevents the seed (the Word) from taking root. Sometimes it doesn't take root at at all, and in other instances it does temporarily and either the devil or the cares of the world prevent the outcome God has in mind for the seed from the beginning. And what is that outcome? To take root, grow and produce a harvest 30, 60, or 100 times over.
So does this mean for us today? The great need in the Church today is not a better band or sermon PowerPoint illustration, but the Word being preached and taught rightly in the power of the Holy Spirit. We have seen many attacks on God's Word, but we know it is a Mighty Fortress that will never let us down. Jesus gave His disciples one main task before he left, "Feed my sheep!" Are you hungry for God Word? I pray that through this Daily Bread each day you are well fed!
Jesus, incarnate Word of God, cause your Word to continue to grow in us as we become your disciples by living according to it. Make us aware of the obstacles in our lives that prevent us from hearing your word, obeying it and bearing fruit 100, 60, 30 times over. Amen.
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