Jesus used parables to teach both the crowds and His disciples. Typically, He first spoke the parable in the hearing of all, and then in private explained it to His disciples. But even the disciples were curious about this, and so they asked Jesus, “Why are you speaking to them in parables?” (Matthew 13:10).
It’s a funny thought. Why would Jesus want to make things more complicated? Isn’t the kingdom of heaven a sufficiently difficult idea to grasp without riddles? And isn’t it hard enough to comprehend what it means that Jesus is the Messiah, even when explained in plain Aramaic?
Yes! And here’s Jesus’s fascinating response, “Because the secrets of the kingdom of heaven have been given for you to know, but it has not been given to them” (v.11). What?! The disciples got secrets that everyone else didn’t get? But wait, there’s more. Jesus continued, “For whoever has, more will be given to him, and he will have more than enough; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. That is why I speak to them in parables, because looking they do not see, and hearing they do not listen or understand” (vv.12–13).
They think they understand, but they don’t. Now when we read Jesus’s parable of the sower and see the Word fall on unfruitful ground, we can see what He’s talking about. Some hearts are hard, and some hearts are not ready.
Christ’s Word was at the center of His ministry. His Word is valuable—His Word is life—and not everyone understood it. We stand at a wonderful time in history because now we, like His disciples, get to be taken aside to hear Him explain His own Word. The messianic mystery is made even more understandable for us than it was for the disciples because we have access to the entirety of Scripture.
Like the disciples, we need Christ to interpret His Word. Without the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, we are like those who have eyes yet see not, and have ears yet hear not. Apart from Christ, we are unfit soil and will bear no fruit.
Like the disciples, we are to listen attentively and carefully, seeking to know more. We are not to clutter our hearts with the vain loves and cares of this world. “Therefore, take care how you listen” (Luke 8:18). The light of the world has come to reveal all things, and in His light, nothing remains hidden. So let us look to the Lord and ask Him to give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to believe (Acts 28:27).
Such a great read for me today! I could feel God speaking, I have had the flu and been very worried about my infant daughter and husband. I realized I was being like the people in the household saying don’t bother. I know God is a healing God and will heal me too.
I just wanted to mention to women in verse 3 who provided for the disciples “out of their own means”! It’s a rare but awesome mention of women in this way in scripture & it’s encouraging to me.
natasha R, i’m so happy for you and to hear that god has changed your husband’s heart and you two can walk in faith together. did he always go to church with you? this is something i’m really stressed about right now as i don’t want to force it but also feel like it will be a great avenue for god to reach him. thank you so much for replying and for your encouragement!! i’m glad i thought to look back on this day’s reading and saw your comment! <3
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses. … Then they were glad because they were quiet, So He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness” (Psalm 107:28-31). They were glad because they were quiet. How well I know that feeling! The best way I can describe God’s rescue is a settled quietness that pervades my life … and leaves me at peace.
After reading this passage yesterday I laid in bed last night truly pondering over this parable. I know what seed I want to be and I know I want to learn and strive to be all that God created me to be
This parable of the sower is one I have heard in many sermons. It’s a strong parable that shows us how individuals receive the word of God. I know there’s been times where I don’t exactly fall where I want to when it comes to receiving God’s word. In these instances, if I just keep my faith that Christ will give me strength and courage to get through days that are more difficult, I know that He will answer them.
I think this parable has been used so frequently among Christians that sometimes we don’t stop to appreciate it. For some, it’s an accurate and harrowing description of their walk with Christ. This is Christ’s way of saying, wherever you plant your seed, its growth is contingent on where it is planted. We all want to be planted in fertile soil that its roots are imbedded in the ground.
As it stands, all we can do is continue to nurture our seed. We need to absorb every word as if it’s the first time hearing a message and learning its meaning. Allowing our roots to grow deep within the Lord only allows for us to have strong deep connections with him, a simple prayer in his name can do so much.
S S, thank you for your support and prayers! i will be keeping your husband in my prayers as well. i don’t know many others who share our situation, so if you would ever like to talk privately together, let me know and i would be happy to share my email/facebook with you.
and to brittany, ash, and bee, thank you for your support and prayers as well! your encouragement and stories have meant the world to me this morning. bee, do you have a specific book in mind of ravi zacharias’s that you would recommend?
Great message… it takes courage and strength to actually put the word into action in our daily lives… but once you do it truly is a blessing..