After Jesus was challenged in Ch 12, Pt 1 and Pt 2, He began teaching in parables.
- The seed sown in good soil
Today we’ll cover the Parable of the Sower and what it takes to receive the blessings of God. There is one more interesting thing to note first from the context of chapter 12. We see that in a single day, Jesus addressed different groups of people in different ways:
- 12:15 Sometimes, He withdrew from those who needed him;
- 12:25 and 12:39 Sometimes, He rebuked those who hated him or distrusted him;
- 12:46 Sometimes, even with His own family, He left them aside for His Father in Heaven’s business, to do the will of His Father.
Now as we open this chapter, it is interesting to see that after he spoke to the public of the parable, only His disciples came to Him to ask for understanding.
Jesus answered them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 12For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.” (Mt 13:11-12)
They were the only ones hungry to know the deep truths He was sharing. Most in the crowd were content to be wowed by His personality. We know from other scriptures that the crowds were amazed with the authority which He possessed. (Matt. 7:28-29) So they must have really enjoyed sitting and listening to Him teach. But their hearts weren’t hungry enough for the deep truths. They were satisfied with the good show.
The secrets of the Kingdom are bestowed spiritually. Jesus quotes Isaiah to say that they can’t see or hear, but He obviously does not speak to their physical senses. They are hearing the words that Jesus is saying, but they are not receiving what God is teaching through those words.
Same words. Most get nothing from them. Some grow closer to God through them.
This is how a non-Believer can be a bible “scholar” without ever receiving Christ. While a Believer might not know the Bible nearly as well, but have unbelievable wisdom from above. They are “secrets” only found through our Messiah. God teaches those who seek Him. Are you seeking Him for all He has for you?
Spiritual Healing V.S. Physical healing
In Chapter 12 we see Jesus healed people physically, but here He quotes Isa 6:9-10, implying spiritual healing. Until we receive new life in the spirit, we cannot see or enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. (John 3:3-15) Jesus tells the disciples that they are blessed by God with a greater understanding. This wisdom and understanding through Jesus of the things of God is available to us. God wants to give these things, but we must have a heart that seeks after Him for them. A heart which thirsts and hungers for the truth and righteousness of the Kingdom will be filled. This parable deals with the content of the heart for God.
“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. 20″The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. 22″And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23″And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” (Matt. 13:19-23)
We must worship God with all we are. He will give us understanding as we seek Him. Persecutions will come. Suffering will come. A life of unbelievable blessing is promised, but we must battle through all that distracts and misdirects us from our Father above, His anointed Jesus who is our Way, and His Holy Spirit who empowers us.
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