“Hear then the parable of the sower.”
Matt.13:18 ( Matt.13:3-9,19-23)
Jesus now begins to teach the multitude and His disciples with seven parables. His message is the same. It is His promise of a place of honor in His future kingdom of the heavens. It is a message to His children and not the lost. It is the dos and don’ts of the salvation of the souls of His redeemed. The number seven always represents completeness in His Word hence the seven parables present the total outcome of the teaching of the kingdom of the heavens in this age. In the parable of the sower, Jesus teaches the effect of His Word of the promised kingdom on His children. Jesus first speaks to all His people (Matt.13:3-9) and then He explains it to His disciples (Matt.13:19-23). We have studied the reason in previous articles. From the explanation of the parable of the tares of the field (Matt.13:37-38) we know that the sower is the “Son of Man” and the “seed” are “sons of the kingdom”. “Son of Man” is a messianic title given by God the Father to His Son. The Son, the Father, the Holy Spirit and His Word are all synonymous (John 14:23-26). The sower is represented by all facets of God. The seed are His disciples, the faithfully obedient. Only “sons” will inherit as only the disciples will inherit. His disciples are to be examples in deed and word of faithfulness to the unfaithful (Matt.5:14-16, Eph.5:8-13).
Now let’s study the four hearers.
[ Hearer #1] “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.” Matt.13:19a This Christian is hearing about the kingdom but he/she is not understanding (lit.=get it, put together the information). One must not only be listening but believing (John 5:24 Rom.10:17). What is the outcome of this immaturity , this lack of knowledge of His Word? The evil (lit.= influence of evil) snatches away (lit.= steals, takes by force) the message. “But examine everything; hold fast (lit.=take secure possession) to that which is good; abstain (lit.= keep away) from every form (lit.=sight) of the influence of evil”. 1 The.5:21-22 We must be continuing seeking ,searching and growing in His Word while being obedient to it all.
[Hearer #2] “…who is hearing the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but is temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away”. Matt.13:20a-21 This Christian receives (lit.= takes) the message of His promise with joy (lit.= exaltation and exuberance). He/she is leaping up and down over learning about their inheritance in His coming kingdom. But this feeling of anticipation is temporary (lit.= near to for the occasion or convenience of time). Why? Affliction (lit.= pressure due to lack of space, narrowness) and persecution from seeking the kingdom first results in falling away (lit.=stumbling block, offense). “…for your perseverance and the faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. A plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.” 2 The.1:4b-5 “And indeed, all who are desiring to live godly in ( because of) Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Tim.3:12 “Behold, I lay in Zion the Stone of stumbling and the Rock of offense, and he who is believing in Him will not be put to shame.” Ro.9:33 To remain faithful, we must know that the way we must travel is narrow and we must know that persecutions are certain in our faithfulness. If we are not fully grounded in our trust it is just as certain that we will be offended and ultimately lose our souls. It is not a lifestyle of convenience but rather of patience endurance.
[Hearer #3] “…who is hearing the word, and the worry of the age, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful”. Matt.13:22b This is a Christian who (for a period of time) is a faithful disciple. He bears fruit for the Lord and His kingdom but he loses the faith and becomes unfruitful. Why? Worry (lit.= distraction, anxiety) of this present age with the deceitfulness (lit.= delusion) of riches (lit.=wealth, abundance, possessions) results in disobedience. “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life…” 2 Tim2:4a “ And do not be conformed to this age…” Ro.12:2a “…do not be anxious for life, what you shall eat; nor for your body, what you shall put on.” Lu.12:22b “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the leaf.” Prov.11:28 To remain faithful, we must not be like the world in any manner. God has promised that He will take care of all our physical needs if we fully obey Him. Do you believe Him? There is nothing about this age and this flesh that is good. All of this world with its wealth, power and politics is the delusion. It is the lie.
[Hearer #4] “…who is hearing the word and understanding it; who indeed is bearing fruit…” Matt.13:23b The faithful Christian keeps listening and comprehending the message of the kingdom of the heavens. This Christian continues to take action by being fully submissive to the will of God. He/she holds firmly to “the faith”. He/she possesses “the hope” of “the crown of life” This Christian will save his/her soul. “By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and prove to be My disciples.” John 15:8 “He who has ears, let him hear.”Matt.13:9
By: Allen Redding |
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