Matt 13:3-9

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.”¹

3 of the 4 gospel accounts have this parable in them. Matthew and Mark make note that Jesus was by a lake when He told this parable to a large group of people. Luke gives more general information about where Jesus had been going and who was with Him, he also mentions that a large group of people were around to hear this parable.

The parable has four parts. Each part has two aspects: where the seed fell, what happen to the seed that fell in this place.

Where the seed fell:

1. Along the path
2. In rocky places
3. Among thorns
4. In good soil

What happened to the seed that fell:

1. Birds came and ate it
2. Withered due to shallow soil
3. Choked by weeds
4. Produced a good crop

First we notice that Jesus tells us at the end of the parable: "he who has an ear, let him hear"². Next we find out that the disciples did not understand what the parable meant. Its meaning is not obvious. Jesus explains why He is speaking in parables to the people (Luke 8:9-10). And then He explains what the parable means. It’s a spiritual meaning.

1. Luke 8:12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. ³



2. Luke 8:13 Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.⁴



3. Luke 8:14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.⁵



4. Luke 8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.⁶

Jesus is teaching us 4 things here:

1. When you hear the Word of God, don't let the devil lie to you. Telling you that its not true or distorting what you heard. Hold on to the Word of God, it is truth that gives eternal life, saving you from missing heaven. Jesus is the Word, He is the only One who can save your soul!



2. If you hear the Word of God and believe, hold on to it with all your strength. Stay rooted in the Word and rely on Jesus completely. Don't fall back into the world. But believe in Jesus and know that He has a place for you in heaven.



3. Remember that you are not of the world, but only in the world. Remember that riches, pleasures, and worries are only temporal. Stay in the Word. Study daily, pray daily, worship God daily. Don't sell your soul for temporal riches or pleasure. But mature, learning the Word and who Jesus is and what He has for your life!



4. By hearing the word and maturing, you will gain a noble and good heart! Retain the Word and let God produce a good crop in you.