Bible In A Year | Read: Matthew 13
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When 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. 20The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22The 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. 23But 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.” Matthew 13:18-23
Jesus often taught in parables. A parable is a short story of something ordinary that illustrates something spiritual. A couple of them are explained, but others require more thought to understand. The story of the farmer shows that some people are more open to trusting Jesus than others. It’s our job to spread the Word, but the result depends on the receiver. Jesus also uses illustrations of growth. The Jews were expecting a conquering Messiah, one who would arrive and turn things around in a single act of power. Jesus is letting them know God’s plan is different and involves a slower process of reproduction and growth over time.
As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we are part of that growth process. We tell others of Jesus so they can become citizens as well.
In this small passage, the seed is the Word of God – the teaching of the kingdom of God.
How we respond to the Word determines what kind of soil our heart looks like.
The hard part is admitting to the truth about our hearts. We all like to think that we will listen to good things and respond with good responses. We do not. We lie to ourselves. However, fruit does not lie. Our fruit (or lack thereof) tells the truth.
I challenge each of us to look at our lives. Look at the fruit of our lives. Do we show love to everyone? Does our focus start with Jesus – or money? Have my relationships been frayed because I need to be right? Do I seek to serve others? Do I worry – about life, what people say, what will happen? Do I let God’s Word have total freedom to speak into my life?
Time to Pray
Father, today I choose to listen to Your Word. I choose to take time to hear your Word, understand Your Word, let Your Word take root, grow, produce seed and produce a harvest. You choose what the Word should speak. You choose what needs to grow in me. You choose… I will listen and obey. In Jesus’ name I pray Amen.
Action Step
What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
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