Parable Of The Sower
Parable of the Sower Jesus began his ministry on earth by teaching in the Jewish synagogues and to the crowds that followed him. As the author of the word given to the Israelites at Mt. Sinai, he was, and still is, the perfect teacher to explain the meaning of God’s revelation. However, the leaders of the church, the Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees, held unto varying interpretations of God’s word, and were proud of their adherence to their 613 laws and pious ways. Often they were in sharp disagreement with the teachings of Jesus, while feeling threatened by the popularity of Jesus amongst his followers. As these church leaders became more argumentative and angry, and demanding of a sign from him (Matthew 12:38, New International version),
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Jesus sees into the hearts of the people standing before him. The farmer is an allusion of himself as he sows the seeds, or his words of truth, upon the soils, or four conditions of the hearts of the people before him. Rikki Watts quotes an Egyptian proverb stating, "The heart makes of its owner a hearer or non-hearer" (as cited in Snodgrass, 2013, p. 286). Whether or not the seed takes root depends on the condition of the heart, and therefore the willingness to consider the words of …show more content…
The verse continues with, “the birds came and ate it up” (Matthew 13:4). This type of soil refers to the unreceptive heart of the listener with a closed mind. This person may hear the word of God, yet refuses to try to understand the meaning. According to our Lord, “the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart” (Matthew 13:19). This would be Satan, who tries to distort the truth of God.
Rocky Places When the seed falls on the stony soil, it appears to germinate, but is unable to establish lasting roots. This soil points to the receiver with a shallow mind. The person seems to accept the word of God, yet fails to make a commitment to the life-changing message of the gospel. According to Covert, “the searing sun can be compared to life’s trials, which will unquestionably have a negative impact upon those who are not rooted in their faith” (2008 p. 4). When a person does not ground the heart in God’s word, they are unable to have faith in the comfort of God’s love during difficult times.
Thorny-filled
Jesus sees into the hearts of the people standing before him. The farmer is an allusion of himself as he sows the seeds, or his words of truth, upon the soils, or four conditions of the hearts of the people before him. Rikki Watts quotes an Egyptian proverb stating, "The heart makes of its owner a hearer or non-hearer" (as cited in Snodgrass, 2013, p. 286). Whether or not the seed takes root depends on the condition of the heart, and therefore the willingness to consider the words of …show more content…
The verse continues with, “the birds came and ate it up” (Matthew 13:4). This type of soil refers to the unreceptive heart of the listener with a closed mind. This person may hear the word of God, yet refuses to try to understand the meaning. According to our Lord, “the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart” (Matthew 13:19). This would be Satan, who tries to distort the truth of God.
Rocky Places When the seed falls on the stony soil, it appears to germinate, but is unable to establish lasting roots. This soil points to the receiver with a shallow mind. The person seems to accept the word of God, yet fails to make a commitment to the life-changing message of the gospel. According to Covert, “the searing sun can be compared to life’s trials, which will unquestionably have a negative impact upon those who are not rooted in their faith” (2008 p. 4). When a person does not ground the heart in God’s word, they are unable to have faith in the comfort of God’s love during difficult times.
Thorny-filled