The parable of the farmer scattering the seed

Matt:13:1-23

First set of seeds fell on the foot path - those that heard but did not understand. In fact did not want to understand. It is about these people that Jesus earlier said in v:12 - but for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. And in v:15

For the hearts of these people is hardened

And their ears cannot hear

And they have closed their eyes

So their eyes cannot see

And their ears cannot hear

And their hearts cannot understand

They cannot turn to me

And let me heal them.

They don't want to. They don't desire. They prefer the other ways over the One way Jesus Christ. What happens to them? Immediately the devil will come and snatch the seed sown not allowing it to sprout. I hope none of us are in this category.

The second set of seeds fell on shallow ground. It just sprouted but couldn't cast the roots deep because the soil was shallow. And as soon as problems and persecutions come, they wither because they are not rooted deep in the word. The mere abscence of problems or material blessings is their priority. Financial security and healing is their driving force. Once that is taken away, they dwindle.

The third set of seeds fell among the thorns. These also sprouted but were choked by the thorns surrounding them, which is nothing but the alluring wealth and worries of the world. Their minds are fully crowded by these thoughts that they don't have time for the word. They listen to it casually, they are impressed by it. But they allow the other things to take root deeper in them. They feed on those things more than the word. So the word has no space to grow in their lives.

Blessed are the fertile soil on which the seed fell. The harvest was plenty - 30 times, 60 times and 100 times. Why? The soil was already ploughed, broken down, washed and well watered. Adequate manure and fertilisers added and then the seed was sown. Prepare your hearts and wait with expectancy for the word working in you. It will push you out of your comfort zones, but the yield will be beautiful.

Let those who have an ear, let them hear.

Image credit: https://www.gospelimages.com/paintings/99/the-parable-of-the-sower?

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