Matthew 13:1–17 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “ ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. A guide to interpreting the parables: https://d1bsmz3sdihplr.cloudfront.net/media/Study%20Notes/H2R%20Parables_Video%20Notes_final.pdf The Parable Explained: The seed refers to the of the kingdom. The soil refers to the of the hearer Matthew 13:18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The Heart. Biblical examples of this kind of heart: The religious leaders in the Gospels The Pharaoh in Exodus Satan Who’s at risk of having this kind of heart? The and the John 14:23 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. How is this heart changed? Sometimes it . Through and . Questions to ponder: Do I understand that Satan is active in my life when I reject God’s Word? Are there areas in my life where I notice that the Word and the kingdom of Jesus require me to change, yet I defiantly refuse? The Heart: Matthew 13:20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Biblical example: Those who left Jesus when He began to teach hard things John 6:66 “From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” Who’s at risk of having this kind of heart? Those who believe a of the kingdom. How is this heart changed? Trust in the love of Christ to cultivate . James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Question to ponder: Will I trust the goodness of Christ that I see in His sacrificial love for me, regardless of what He allows in my life? The Heart: Matthew 13:22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. Biblical example: The rich young man mentioned in Mark 10:17-27. Mark 10:22 At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Who’s at risk of having this kind of heart? Those with hearts. Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. How is this heart changed? The of your loves. Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Questions to Ponder: What are the weeds in my heart? What are the good things that I have made ultimate things? What do I center my life on other than Christ? How can I cultivate the things that will bring me to maturity? The Heart: Matthew 13:23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” The result: a bumper crop of goodness: . Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. How do we cultivate this kind of heart soil? Hearing the Word of God and being to it.