| The Parable of the Sower, Part 5 |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by David Lawrence |
| Monday, September 14 2009 00:00 |
|
The fourth category of soils described by Jesus in the parable of the sower in Matthew’s gospel is that of the good soil that produces a bountiful crop from thirty to one hundred times what was sown. Jesus explains this section as the person who hears the word and understands it. It is obvious that the bountiful crop refers to a life of righteousness and good works. In Mark and in Luke’s gospels Jesus speaks of those who hear the word and accept it. There is an obvious correlation between understanding and accepting, as Paul points out in 1 Cor. 2:14, for the man without the Spirit will neither accept nor understand the gospel. But these people do. Jesus’ explanation of the parable is not to the crowd. He leaves them to think about it on their own. He explains it to his disciples. As believers, we should put ourselves in the position of these disciples and realize that Jesus is speaking to us. So what do we need to know? What is Jesus saying to Christians today, to you and me? First, key to the living of the Christian life (producing the bountiful crop) is hearing, believing, accepting, and understanding the word. None of the people represented by the other three conditions of soil did so. Second, it is our responsibility to hear, believe, accept, and understand the word. It is our responsibility to produce good works. Third, if we do understand it is because it has been given to us to do so (Matt. 13:11-17, Mark 4:11-13, Luke 8:10). Thus we are blessed. Fourth, it is not given to everyone. Although it is the responsibility of all, the sovereign God gives understanding according to his will. We have nothing about which to boast. We are not smarter, better, more righteous, cleverer or even “lucky.” We are blessed! Fifth, having been given this understanding, and with it faith and salvation, we now have the responsibility to use it. We need to “consider carefully how [we] listen” (Luke 8:18). “Consider carefully what you hear…with the measure you use, it will be measured to you – and even more. Whoever has will be given more, and whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him” (Mark 4:24-25). Sixth, we must not forget that the good soil, our hearts, has been cultivated in advance of receiving the seed. Who did the cultivating of our good hearts? Soil does not cultivate itself. The obvious implication is God is the cultivator as he enables and draws us. He alone deserves the glory! |
Join our Devo Mailing List
We'd be honored to send you our devotionals via email. To be included on our list please visit our Contact page and write us a request.