The Parable of the Sower

Matthew 13:1-9

Introduction

1.      Jesus told parables (stories) to illustrate things that were true

2.      Some parables were told for everyone:  some were told for the benefit of his disciples – the parable of the sower is one of these

3.      The seed:  the word of the kingdom  

Discussion

1.      The power that lies within a seed

a.       It may lie dormant for many years and yet still produce exactly  

b.      The power of reproduction does not lie in the planter  

c.       The power of the seed lies in the design of God  

d.      2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; 1 Pet 1:23  

2.      Some fell beside the road – the places where the seed fell represent different kinds of people in different situations

a.       The seed will never reproduce as long as it is in the bag  

b.      This is the person who hears, but does not understand  

c.       His failure to understand may be due to a lack of interest or it may be due to a lack of patience on the part of the “sower”  

3.      Some fell on rocky places

a.       “He receives it with joy, yet . . .”  

b.      Affliction and persecution cause him to fall away – troubles within and troubles without  

4.      Some fell among thorns

a.       “The worry of the world chokes the word”  

b.      “The deceitfulness of wealth chokes the word”  

c.       “It becomes unfruitful”  

d.      Reminiscent of 1 Tim 6:9-10  

5.      Some fell on good soil

a.       He “hears and understands”

b.      He “bears fruit”  

Conclusion

1.       There are lessons for Christians who desire to remain faithful (things to avoid)

2.      The primary lesson is to his disciples so that they will not be discouraged by the responses they receive to God’s message

3.      This is a parable of the kingdom:  Jesus is now reigning as a king and his word is God’s law for you