Matthew 13:18 - 23

The Explanation Of The Parable of The Sower

18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

Jesus continues by inviting the disciples to listen and hear the meanings of the “mysteries” which had not been revealed to the prophets.

Jesus says the ones who are described as being like the ground which is walked on so much that it is too hard for the seed to drop into the dirt, but lays on the surface for the birds to eat is like individuals who hear the gospel, but do not place enough effort to understanding the Gospel and it just lays there unable to germinate and grow. Because of the lack of effort to understand the word they will soon forget what was said to them.

The seed which is received in the stony places is describing someone who recieves the word out of enthusiasm but not with serious considerations. This person is probably very sincere in their motives but fail to consider the cost of accepting the Gospel. The one who accepts the Gospel will have to endure opposition from the enemies of the Gospel because of his devotion to the truth, when that happens then they stumble and fall away in the face of the enemy.

The seed which falls in thorny ground is like those believers who allow the cares and concerns about living and the desire for a wealthy life style pull them away from the spiritual needs they have. These cares and the lusts for the things of the world distract them from giving the proper attention to the spiritual matters that should be at their highest priority. We should not be deceived in this manner because, these things of the world will pass away.

The good ground is the heart or mind that understands the word of God. It produces a different amount of crop, some doubles its value some only a 60% increase and some only 30% increase but all is good because not all believers have the same abilities or opportunities for producing increase, the Lord is not concerned about the amount of increase a believer accomplishes as long as he does what he can.