Teaching in Parables

Matthew 13:1–9
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I know a young fellow in Oklahoma who was intent on going to college, but his folk did not have the money, and he had to work. Finally he got a job in a restaurant for the summer, which promised sufficient earnings to enable him to enter college the next fall. On receiving his fi … More

Parable Teaching

In this chapter Jesus began to do something He had not done before. He began to teach in parables which was to make a comparison between a known truth and an unknown truth. Some define it as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. He did not do this to confuse or condemn the people but rather to arouse their curiosity and gain their attention. Did you ever hear someone say “Let me plant this thought in your mind"? This expresses the idea of a parable. In this passage Jesus uses such familiar figures as soil, seed, birds, thorns, rocks, sun, and fruit. The seed is God’s Word; the various soils represent different kinds of hearts; and varied results show the different responses to the Word.

It is said that in Palestine during New Testament times, the average ratio of harvested grain seeds to those that were planted was less than eight to one. The truth of God’s Word must take root in the heart, be cultivated, and permitted to bear fruit. Actually it is shocking to realize that three-fourths of the seed did not bear fruit. Jesus did not describe an age of great harvest but one in which the Word would be rejected. The sun in this parable represents persecution and this helps believers grow. However sunshine will kill a plant with no roots. It is possible to believe and yet not be saved (John 2:23-25). Their faith was weak, their understanding limited and their decision was not sincere.

Application

What kind of soil best characterizes me? Am I a child, a teenager or a young adult? How has my soil changed over the years?

Matthew 13:1-9 (English Standard Version)

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