The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand, 1:1-28:20
The Galilean Ministry, 8:1-18:35
Reception Of the Messiah: Rising Opposition, 11:2-13:53
The Third Discourse: The Parables Of The Kingdom, 13:1-53; Mar 4:1-34; Lu 8:4-18.
THE WORD AND ITS RECEPTION
Mat 13:1-23; Mar 4:1-9, 13-20; Lu 8:5-15
Theme: to encourage not merely listening to God’s word spoken or just reading it, but to apply it into our lives
INTRODUCTION
A. In Matthew 12 the authorities were given clear evidences of the fact that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of God. Yet they rejected that evidence and claimed that he was a demon-possessed person who contributed to the kingdom of Satan. So from this point onward, Jesus made a great change in his manner of teaching people. He began to teaching a lot in parables. In fact, in Matthew 13 we are given seven parables. Beside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus delivered seven parables which he called the secrets, or mysteries, of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus stated that these parables, were given so that only those who listened attentively would learn God's word.
B. I read a story of a person who told a writer it was impossible to understand a thing the minster preached. The writer proclaimed, knowing the minister, that he was a faithful preacher, and that most others understood him very well. What then was the problem you might wonder. Barring a hearing defect, essentially nothing. It was a soil problem or heart problem with the hearer. As a result of refusing to receive the word, fault was hurled toward the messenger boy, the preacher. On the other hand, many others did receive it. That is the way it is with teaching God’s word. Why do so many people respond differently to the preaching of the gospel? Let’s examine briefly the effect of God’s word on differing states of reception of it.
Transition: The effect on a person’s heart of the word of God, of the proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom of God, depends upon the state of the heart, into which it falls.
II. THE PARABLE: THE SOWER, SEED AND SOIL, 13:1-9.
A. On that day ... he spake to them many things in parables ..., 13:1-3a.
ASV
1 ¶ <1161> [The same KJV] On that <1722> <1565> day <2250> went <1831> (5631) Jesus <2424> out of <575> the house <3614>, and sat <2521> (5711) by <3844> the sea side <2281>.
2 And <2532> [great multitudes were gathered together KJV] there were gathered <4863> (5681) unto <4314> him <846> great <4183> multitudes <3793>, so that <5620> he <846> [went KJV] entered <1684> (5631) into <1519> a [ship KJV] boat <4143>, and sat <2521> (5738); and <2532> [the whole multitude KJV] all <3956> the multitude <3793> stood <2476> (5715) on <1909> the [shore KJV] beach <123>.
3 And <2532> he spake <2980> (5656) [many things unto KJV] to them <846> many things <4183> in <1722> parables <3850>, ...
1. "on the same day" - as part of the events in chapter 12. It was "on the same day" that Jesus’ mother and brothers had come to speak with him (vv. 46-47). It was "on the same day" in which a multitude of sick and needy people followed Him and He "healed them all" (v. 15). It was on the same day that He worked another powerful healing and caused the people to ask, "Could this be the Son of David" (the Messiah)?
2. parable, 3850 PARABOLE {par-ab-ol-ay'} from 3846; TDNT - 5:744,773; n f AV - parable 46, figure 2, comparison 1, proverb 1; 50 1) a placing of one thing by the side of another, juxtaposition, as of ships in battle 2) metaph. 2a) a comparing, comparison of one thing with another, likeness, similitude 2b) an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated 2c) a narrative, fictitious but agreeable to the laws and usages of human life, by which either the duties of men or the things of God, particularly the nature and history of God's kingdom are figuratively portrayed 2d) a parable: an earthly story with a heavenly meaning 3) a pithy and instructive saying, involving some likeness or comparison and having perceptive or admonitory force 3a) an aphorism, a maxim 4) a proverb 5) an act by which one exposes himself or his possessions to danger, a venture, a risk
a. A parable was a story or illustration thrown alongside a biblical truth or principle for comparison, in order to bring about understanding.
b. It was a story which used real life situations from which to draw a spiritual truth - an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.
3. This is the first mention of parables in Matthew's account.
a. Speaking in parable was an important teaching technique Jesus used conceal and reveal his message. In using them he concealed the nature of the kingdom from those who were unbelieving, and revealed it not only to those who believe but those who were seeking to understand.
B. ... saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he sowed ... , 13:3b-9.
3 ...saying <3004> (5723), Behold <2400> (5628), [a KJV] the sower <4687> (5723) went forth <1831> (5627) to sow <4687> (5721);
4 [And KJV] and <2532> [when <1722> KJV] as he <846> sowed <4687> (5721), some <3739> <3303> seeds fell <4098> (5627) by <3844> the way side <3598>, and <2532> the [fowls KJV] birds <4071> came <2064> (5627) and <2532> devoured <2719> <0> them <846> [up <2719> (5627)KJV]:
5 [Some KJV] and others <1161> <243> fell <4098> (5627) upon <1909> the [stony KJV] rocky places <4075>, where <3699> they had <2192> (5707) not <3756> much <4183> earth <1093>: and <2532> [forthwith KJV] straightway <2112> they [sprung KJV] sprang up <1816> (5656), because <1223> they had <2192> (5721) no <3361> deepness <899> of earth <1093>:
6 [And KJV] and <1161> when the sun <2246> was [up KJV] risen <393> (5660), they were scorched <2739> (5681); and <2532> because <1223> they had <2192> (5721) no <3361> root <4491>, they withered away <3583> (5681).
7 And <1161> [some KJV] others <243> fell <4098> (5627) [among KJV] upon the <1909> thorns <173>; and <2532> the thorns <173> [sprung KJV] grew up <305> (5627) and <2532> choked <638> (5656) them <846>:
8 [But KJV] and <1161> [other KJV] others <243> fell <4098> (5627) [into KJV] upon the <1909> good <2570> ground <1093>, and <2532> [brought forth KJV] yielded <1325> (5707) fruit <2590>, some <3739> <3303> an hundredfold <1540>, <1161> some <3739> [sixtyfold KJV] sixty <1835>, <1161> some <3739> [thirtyfold KJV] thirty <5144>.
1. This would have been a common sight in Galilee, a man, a sower, with a bag of seed, broadcasting it by hand, over the fields, directly after which was followed with ploughing over the same field to bury the seed. The parable is most likely with regard to the seed which fell to the edges of the fields.
2. The seed when it fell, fell upon one of four types of soil:
a. the way side (hard packed) - represented the foot paths and trails which crisscrossed the fields, vs 4; Lu 8:5; cp. Mat 12:1.
(1) Because the soil on the "wayside" would be packed down and hardened by traffic over it, it would not have been penetrated by the seeds, leaving them exposed for birds to devour.
b. rocky places (shallow) - in rocky areas of the fields, there may have been enough soil to plow but though it may have looked promising there wouldn’t have been enough depth for plants to take root, vss 5-6.
c. thorns - it wouldn’t have been uncommon along fence lines or path ways to have allowed thorn bushes to grow, to act as natural fences in keeping animals out of the crops. Before the seed that had fallen among the thorns would have been able to grow to mature plants, they would have been choked out by the thorn bushes, vs 7; Mar 4:7; Lu 8:7
d. good ground (fertile) - The "good ground" was in the field away from the "wayside," the "rocky places," and the "thorns." In the good soil the seed would have grown unhindered into mature plants, to "yielded a crop,” vs 8
3. To this parable Jesus added a caution.
C. He that hath ears, let him hear, 13:9.
9 [Who KJV] He that <3588> hath <2192> (5723) ears <3775> [to hear <191> (5721)KJV], let him hear <191> (5720).
1. The reference to “ears” was not to physical ears.
2. It takes spiritual insight to understand the parable.
a. If Jesus had stopped at this verse many of us today might still not understand it meaning.
b. In Matthew we are told to simply to hear.
c. In Mark’s account we are told heed what ye hear, Mar 4:24.
d. In Luke’s account we are told to heed how ye hear, Lu 8:18.
e. Therefore, having ears to hear was a reference not just to hearing but to the need to give attention to what and how we hear.
f. This idea brings out the purpose for Jesus use of parables.
III. THE PURPOSE FOR THE PARABLES, 13:10-17.
A. ... Why speakest thou unto them in parables ... Unto you it is given to know ... to them it is not ..., 13:10-12.
10 And <2532> the disciples <3101> came <4334> (5631), and said <2036> (5627) unto him <846>, Why <1302> speakest thou <2980> (5719) unto them <846> in <1722> parables <3850>?
11 [He KJV] And he answered <611> (5679) and <1161> said <2036> (5627) unto them <846>, [Because <3754> it is given unto KJV] Unto you <5213> it is given <1325> (5769) to know <1097> (5629) the mysteries <3466> of the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772>, but <1161> to them <1565> it is <1325> <0> not <3756> given <1325> (5769).
12 For <1063> whosoever <3748> hath <2192> (5719), to him <846> shall be given <1325> (5701), and <2532> he shall have more abundance <4052> (5701): but <1161> whosoever <3748> hath <2192> (5719) not <3756>, from <575> him <846> shall be taken away <142> (5701) even <2532> that <3739> which he hath <2192> (5719).
1. Curiosity probably prompted the disciples to go to Jesus with the question.
a. With their question, the disciples probably meant, "Why don’t You just say what you mean, so everyone can understand?"
b. They did not understand why Jesus used such an approach.
c. In addition, it was clear that the disciples also did not understand the meaning of the story, for Jesus had to explain it them to them.
d. Perhaps Jesus’ intent was to encourage the truth seekers to seek the meaning even as the disciples did.
e. He had already stated in the Sermon On The Mount that all "who hunger and thirst for righteousness" would be "filled."
2. Quoting Is 6:9 Jesus was pointing out that using parables was a fulfillment of prophecy, vss 14-15.
B. Therefore speak I to them in parables ..., 13:13-17.
13 Therefore <1223> <5124> speak I <2980> (5719) to them <846> in <1722> parables <3850>; because <3754> [they KJV] seeing <991> (5723) they see <991> (5719) not <3756>, and <2532> hearing <191> (5723) they hear <191> (5719) not <3756>, neither <3761> do they understand <4920> (5719).
14 And <2532> [in <1909> KJV] unto them <846> is fulfilled <378> (5743) the prophecy <4394> of [ Esaias KJV] Isaiah, <2268>, which <3588> saith <3004> (5723), By hearing <189> ye shall hear <191> (5692), and <2532> shall <4920> <0> [not KJV] in no wise <3364> understand <4920> (5655); [and KJV] And <2532> seeing <991> (5723) ye shall see <991> (5692), and <2532> shall <1492> <0> [not KJV] in no wise <3364> perceive <1492> (5632):
15 For <1063> this <5127> people's <2992> heart <2588> is waxed gross <3975> (5681), [and KJV] And <2532> their ears <3775> are dull <917> of hearing <191> (5656), [and KJV] And <2532> their <846> eyes <3788> they have closed <2576> (5656); [lest at any time KJV] Lest haply <3379> they should [see KJV] perceive <1492> (5632) with their eyes <3788>, [and KJV] And <2532> hear <191> (5661) with their ears <3775>, [and KJV] And <2532> [ should KJV] understand <4920> (5632) with their heart <2588>, [and KJV] And <2532> should [be converted KJV] turn again <1994> (5661), [and KJV] And <2532> I should heal <2390> (5667) them <846>.
16 But <1161> blessed <3107> are your <5216> eyes <3788>, for <3754> they see <991> (5719); and <2532> your <5216> ears <3775>, for <3754> they hear <191> (5719).
17 For <1063> verily <281> I say <3004> (5719) unto you <5213>, [That KJV] that <3754> many <4183> prophets <4396> and <2532> righteous <1342> men have desired <1937> (5656) to see <1492> (5629) the [those KJV] things which <3739> ye see <991> (5719), and <2532> [have <1492> <0> not seen <1492> (5627) them KJV] saw them not <3756>; and <2532> to hear <191> (5658) [those KJV] the things which <3739> ye hear <191> (5719), and <2532> [have <191> <0> not KJV] heard <191> (5656) them not <3756>.
1. Quoting Is 6:9, Jesus pointed out using parable was a fulfillment of scripture and therefore, also according to God the Father’s plan.
2. It would seem that the design of the parables was to hide understanding of the kingdom from those who didn’t (at least not necessarily) want to receive the word and to impart greater understanding to those that did, vss 10-13.
3. To those who sought understanding, he gave it.
IV. THE PARABLE’S EXPLANATION, 13:18-23.
A. Hear ... ye the parable of the sower ..., 13:18-
18 Hear <191> (5657) {ye therefore KJV] then <3767> ye <5210> the parable <3850> of the sower <4687> (5723).
19 When any <3956> one heareth <191> (5723) the word <3056> of the kingdom <932>, and <2532> understandeth <4920> (5723) it not <3361>, then cometh <2064> (5736) the [wicked KJV] evil <4190> one, and <2532>[catcheth KJV] snatcheth away <726> (5719) that which <3588> [was KJV] hath been sown <4687> (5772) in <1722> his <846> heart <2588>. This <3778> is <2076> (5748) he [which received seed <4687> (5651) KJV] that was sown by <3844> the way side <3598>.
20 [But KJV] And <1161> he that [received the seed <4687> (5651) into <1909> stony KJV] was sown upon the rocky places <4075>, [the same <3778> is <2076> (5748) KJV] this is he that heareth <191> (5723) the word <3056>, and <2532> [anon KJV] straightway <2117> with <3326> joy <5479> receiveth <2983> (5723) it <846>;
21 [Yet KJV] yet <1161> hath he <2192> (5719) not <3756> root <4491> in <1722> himself <1438>, but <235> [dureth KJV] endureth <2076> (5748) for a while <4340>; [for <1161> KJV] and when tribulation <2347> or <2228> persecution <1375> ariseth <1096> (5637) because <1223> of the word <3056>, [by and by <2117> he is offended <4624> (5743)KJV] straightway he stumbleth. [{offended: he relapseth, or, falleth into sin} KJV]
22 [He also <1161> that received seed <4687> (5651)KJV] And he that was sown among <1519> the thorns <173>, this is <2076> (5748) he that <3778> heareth <191> (5723) the word <3056>; and <2532> the care <3308> of [this KJV] the <5127> world <165>, and <2532> the deceitfulness <539> of riches <4149>, choke <4846> (5719) the word <3056>, and <2532> he becometh <1096> (5736) unfruitful <175>.
23 [But KJV] And <1161> he that [received seed <4687> (5651) into <1909> KJV] was sown upon the good <2570> ground <1093>, this is <2076> (5748) he <3778> that heareth <191> (5723) the word <3056>, and <2532> understandeth <4920> (5723) it; [which <3739> also <1211> KJV] who verily beareth fruit <2592> (5719), and <2532> bringeth forth <4160> (5719), some <3739> <3303> [an KJV] a hundredfold <1540>, <1161>, some <3739> sixty <1835>, <1161> some <3739> thirty <5144>.
The Soils
1. The soil represented the reception God’s word had those people who heard it.
a. In the Bible the heart of men in this sense refers to man’s:
(1) intellect, Ro 10:9-10
(2) emotions, Mat 22:37
(3) volition, Ro 6:16-17
b. This heart is to be kept with diligence, Pr 4:23; 23:7.
2. the way side - , vs 18-19
a. This soil is representative of people who never allow the word to penetrate further than the surface of their thoughts enabling Satan easy access to snatch the truth away form them.
b. We can be certain, whenever their is a man preaching in the pulpit, there is the influence of the devil in the pews, seeking to snatch away the truth.
3. rocky places [stony] - , vs 20-21.
a. This soil is representative of people in whom the word has no depth and consequently they have no strong convictions.
b. Outside influence like "tribulation or persecution" (2Co 4:1-18; Ja 1:2-6) can hinder their way and they stumble to falling away from the truth again.
4. thorns - vs 22
a. This is representative of those who become preoccupied with the cares of this world, Lu 10:38-42.
(1) We all know this is true.
(2) Why is it we also all usually get so tangled up with the things of the word that we crowd out time for proper service toward God?
b. Such soil can produce thorns or good fruit but unable to produce both, the thorns usually win, cp. 6:24; 19:16-30; 1Jo 2:15-17; also Jos 24:15.
c. If we allow our daily tasks (Ep 4:28; 1Ti 5:8; 2Th 3:6-13) and pleasure of life to take on a disproportionate value then they should, they will interfere with our service to God, 6:25-31.
d. They will choke out the importance the word should have with us, perhaps the word its from us, 2Ti 3:3.
5. good ground - vs 23; Mar 4:20; Lu 8:15; Ga 5:22-25.
a. This soil is representative of people who give full course to the word in their lives because they realize it is their only proper guide for their lives, Ps 119:130, 148; Ja 1:22.
b. Such a person upon hearing the truth, and realizing the have honestly been mistaken, will quit being mistaken to follow God’s will, way and word, truthfully.
6. Any backyard farmer or professional farmer knows, the type of crop and the yield of the crop are very heavily dependant upon the type of soil (and seed but not just in amount (2Co 9:6), for the seed reproduces after its own kind, Ge 1:11; Ga 6:7-8).
CONCLUSION:
There are two primary levels of application in what Jesus teaches with this parable: one level for those who would receive the word preached in the gospel and; another level for those who would become sowers of seed.
What is your heart like? Is it pliable to the word of God or ridged?
Sowing seed is absolutely necessary to producing a harvest. Each year is dependant on the seed of that year and not upon what was sown in previous years. Its not enough to own the seed. The seed must be sown or there will be no harvest. If we don’t sow the spiritual see, the word of God, then we cannot hope to harvest souls, no matter how much we pray to God for a harvest of souls. Where the word of God does not go, there can be no conversion back to God, Mar 16:15-16; 1Pe 1:22-23; Co 1:5-6. The sower plants the seed believing in its power and we also need to plant the spiritual seed, God’s word, believing in its power, 1Co 1:21; Ro 1:16; 2Ti 4:2; He 4:12; cp. Is 55:11; Ps 126:5-6.
In our efforts to spread or sow God’s word, specifically the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must remember, though the hearts of many, their soil into which we try to sow the word, may seem poor soil, as with physical soil, spiritual soil too, can be prepared to produce good fruit if it is nurtured before proper seed is planted. Don’t give up on yourself or on others. Instead, work on your sol or theirs.
Questions:
What do the Sower, Seed and Soils represent?
Preached:
Fargo, ND 20, June, 1999
Bibliography:
Coy Wylie, Matthew King of Kings, Jesus and the Parables
P. G. Mathew, "The Heart Is the Matter"
John Priola, The Parables Of Our Saviour, director Fred Davis, The Parable Of The Sower, Slain Publications, Lebenon, TN, pages 14-22
Ray Stedman, THE MYSTERY OF HISTORY; THE CASE OF THE LAVISH FARMER
David Horner, FRUITFUL WORD, FERTILE SOIL
What the world says about
kjv and
concerning
2532
Secure
SFTP
on the planet
Go FTP FREE