The Parables of Jesus

The Parable of the Sower

Matthew 13:1-23 ^{Amplified Bible}

 

Matthew 13:3

“He told them many things in parables, saying, “Listen carefully: a sower went out to sow [seed in his field]; ….”

 

            This is an unusual parable in that Jesus gives the interpretation. “The disciples were puzzled that the Lord should speak to the people in the veiled language of parables. So they asked Him to explain His method.” 

            “In His reply, Jesus distinguished between the unbelieving crowd and the believing disciples. The crowd, a cross-section of the nation, was obviously rejecting Him, though their rejection would not be complete until the cross. They would not be permitted to know the mysteries (secrets) of the kingdom of heaven, whereas His true followers would be helped to understand.”

            Since I cannot improve on Jesus’ own words, I will let the text bring you the interpretation of this parable.

            “Listen then to the [meaning of the] parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom [regarding salvation] and does not understand and grasp it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. The one on whom seed was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and at once welcomes it with joy; yet he has no [substantial] root in himself, but is only temporary, and when pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles and falls away [abandoning the One who is the source of salvation]. And the one on whom seed was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness [the superficial pleasures and delight] of riches choke the word, and it yields no fruit. And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands and grasps it; he indeed bears fruit and yields, some a hundred times [as much as was sown], some sixty [times as much], and some thirty.” 

“In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes.”

 Some things are better left to the Biblical text. I cannot expand on the Lord’s  ‘on point’ explanation of this parable. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/parables-of-jesus/; Believer's Bible Commentary, Copyright © 1989, 1990, 1992, 1995, 2016 by William MacDonald.