Matthew 13:1-23
Today's Passage: Matthew 13:1-23
In this parable, Jesus outlines the seed, the soil, and the response to explain the kingdom of Heaven. Let's consider these separately for a second.
The Seed
The Seed is simply understood as the message of Jesus. That there is hope for the captives, forgiveness of sin, and righteousness through faith. It is the Gospel that Jesus and the disciples are proclaiming throughout the land. It is the source of life and fruit to all who comprehend and believe it. The Seed is always good, but the soil dictates the response.
The Soil
The soil is the heart that hears the Gospel, and just like real soil, it can be affected by its surroundings and circumstances. Some hear the gospel and ignore it. The world is more appealing than Jesus. Some hear and then abandon it while trials come. Their faith was shallow and unable to withstand the fires of life. Still others hear and produce fruit.
The Response
What does the good soil respond with? It bears fruit, and not just normal fruit, but an excessive amount of fruit. A heart that hears the Gospel and receives it will multiply the Kingdom of Heaven. A believer who responds to the Gospel with a “yes, Lord” and takes seriously His commands will see spiritual multiplication. The Good News is just THAT good.
When we follow Jesus in faith, evangelize, and disciple those around us the Kingdom of God advances. The question is, what does the soil of your heart look like? Is rocky? Shallow? Bogged down by worries and anxieties? Or is it surrendered fully to God’s design and God’s will? God can do amazing things through a heart with good soil. Let it start with us!
Written By: Joe Weaver
In this parable, Jesus outlines the seed, the soil, and the response to explain the kingdom of Heaven. Let's consider these separately for a second.
The Seed
The Seed is simply understood as the message of Jesus. That there is hope for the captives, forgiveness of sin, and righteousness through faith. It is the Gospel that Jesus and the disciples are proclaiming throughout the land. It is the source of life and fruit to all who comprehend and believe it. The Seed is always good, but the soil dictates the response.
The Soil
The soil is the heart that hears the Gospel, and just like real soil, it can be affected by its surroundings and circumstances. Some hear the gospel and ignore it. The world is more appealing than Jesus. Some hear and then abandon it while trials come. Their faith was shallow and unable to withstand the fires of life. Still others hear and produce fruit.
The Response
What does the good soil respond with? It bears fruit, and not just normal fruit, but an excessive amount of fruit. A heart that hears the Gospel and receives it will multiply the Kingdom of Heaven. A believer who responds to the Gospel with a “yes, Lord” and takes seriously His commands will see spiritual multiplication. The Good News is just THAT good.
When we follow Jesus in faith, evangelize, and disciple those around us the Kingdom of God advances. The question is, what does the soil of your heart look like? Is rocky? Shallow? Bogged down by worries and anxieties? Or is it surrendered fully to God’s design and God’s will? God can do amazing things through a heart with good soil. Let it start with us!
Written By: Joe Weaver
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