Matthew 13:18-23
The Parable of the Sower Explained
18 “Hear
then the parable of the sower: 19 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 what was sown along the path. 20 As
for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation
or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and
it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
We skipped a reading, because today’s reading explains yesterday’s reading.
It is great when we have a difficult parable and Jesus takes time to explain it. It is hard to argue against Jesus. Notice in the explanation that some were believers but fell away. This passage speaks against “once saved, always saved.”
The Lutheran Study Bible states: “Jesus explains the parable of the sower for His disciples. He wants them to understand that as they go out and preach the Gospel, not all the seed they sow will produce fruit. But what keeps a farmer sowing and a disciple
proclaiming is Jesus’ promise that some seed will produce a wonderful harvest. The lesson for us is obvious: the blessings of God’s kingdom come through the seed of God’s Word.”
I pray: O divine Sower, keep me from becoming discouraged as I entrust my life to Your Word and seek to share Your message of salvation with others. Amen.[1]