Introduction

Good morning, family. Today, we're going to dig deep into one of Jesus’ well-known parables – The Parable of the Sower. We're going to explore how different types of soil receive seeds and the results that follow.

As we delve into this, let me share a quote from Christian professor, Peter Kreeft, who once said, "God gives us not only the truth but also the ability to believe it; not only the new thing to see but also the new eye to see it with." We're going to need that new eye today as we examine Matthew 13:1-9. Let us now attend carefully to the precious Word of God.

I. The Different Types of the Sower

The Parable of the Sower is a profound teaching from Jesus that uses the metaphor of a farmer sowing seeds to illustrate the different responses people have to the Word of God. In the parable, the sower represents God, the seed is the Word of God, and the different types of soil represent the various conditions of human hearts.

A. The first type of soil is the path where the seed fell and was eaten by birds. This represents those who hear the Word of God but do not understand it. The Word is snatched away by the evil one, symbolized by the birds, before it can take root and grow. In our lives, we might encounter people who are indifferent or hostile to the Gospel message. They hear the Word but do not internalize it, and thus, it has no impact on their lives. This could be due to a lack of understanding, a hardened heart, or the distractions of the world that prevent them from truly hearing and receiving the Word.

B. The second type of soil is the rocky ground. Here, the seed quickly sprouts but withers away under the scorching sun because it has no root. This represents those who receive the Word with joy but have no firm root in themselves. They believe for a while, but in times of trial or persecution, they fall away. These are the people who may initially show enthusiasm for the Gospel but lack the depth of commitment or understanding to withstand challenges or opposition. Their faith is superficial and does not endure when tested.

C. The third type of soil is the thorny ground. The seed grows among the thorns, which choke the plants. This represents those who hear the Word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, making it unfruitful. These are individuals who allow worldly concerns, worries, and desires to take precedence over their spiritual growth. The distractions of life, the pursuit of wealth, or the desire for worldly success can choke out the Word, preventing it from bearing fruit in their lives.

D. Finally, the fourth type of soil is the good soil. The seed falls on good soil and produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. This represents those who hear the Word, understand it, and bear fruit. These are the individuals who not only hear and understand the Word of God but also apply it in their lives. They allow the Word to transform them, leading to a fruitful life that glorifies God.

Each of these soils represents a different response to God's Word, reminding us that the condition of our heart is crucial in determining how we receive and respond to the Gospel. It challenges us to examine our hearts and ask ourselves: What type of soil am I? Am I open and receptive to God's Word, allowing it to transform me and bear fruit in my life? Or do I allow distractions, worries, or a lack of understanding to prevent God's Word from taking root in my life?

Theologian John Stott, in his book "The Message of the Sermon on the Mount," wrote, "The Gospel is not only a message to be heard and believed but also a word to be obeyed and followed." This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of the good soil. It's not enough to merely hear the Word; we must also understand, accept, and act upon it.

II. The Results of Sowing Seeds

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes four different outcomes that result from the sowing of seeds ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO