Matthew 13

Matthew 13 is filled with parables that have deep meaning for those who delve into it.

Matthew 13:3 NIV

[3] Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.

The seed is the word of god in the gospel of truth. There are many ways to sow the knowledge of the gospel – living it out, preaching, teaching or leading a bible study, or by sharing your own story with someone.   How can you share the joy of the gospel with someone this week?

Matthew 13:4 NIV

[4] As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

 

Matthew 13:19 NIV

[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.

How often do we read or hear things that we don’t understand yet fail to ask questions or search deeper?  Do we go to church on Sunday and hear a sermon yet on Monday can’t remember what was said?  Whose fault is this? The pastor/preacher or yours?

Matthew 13:5,20-21 NIV

[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. [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.

[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.

Many people are willing to accept Christ when good things are happening but when bad times happen they are like Job’s wife who said “you should curse God and die.”  Jesus does not promise us an easy life. In fact Nero used many early Christians as torches setting them on fire to light the way into Rome.  Here in the US people might make fun of us or think badly of us for being believers but in many parts of the world believers are imprisoned, tortured and killed for following Christ. I wish my faith was as strong as these believers. 

Matthew 13:7,22 NIV

[7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. [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.

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is peace. When we worry we don’t have peace. If we have faith that God has a plan for us then we don’t need to worry and we can have peace. 

Interesting interpretation here: “the deceitfulness of wealth.”  As I am writing this someone has won $1.6 billion in the lottery. Too many lottery winners end up broke and down on their luck or worse. We say “if only” rather than being thankful for what we have. There is always the illusion that if we just had a little more then things would be better. 

Matthew 13:8-9,23 NIV

[8] Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. [9] Whoever has ears, let them hear.” [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.”

That big jump between hearing the word and understanding it. As a former pastor used to say “where the rubber hits the road!  We don’t truly understand scripture until it becomes woven into our daily life. Are we living out scripture? Does anyone see Christ through what we do?  If we truly understand and put it into action then we will be making disciples of all the nations.