18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 19The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 20The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 22The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. 23The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Matthew 13:18-23 (NLT)
In this Jesus explains a little deeper into His parable. It’s not about the farmer as some would think, or the seeds, it’s about the soil. On the footpath are those who not only don’t understand the message but don’t push to understand it. The birds are like the evil one that comes to take the seeds. The rocky soil is about the ability to grow strong roots, people are excited to hear the story but the excitement quickly fades when troubles arrive. The thorns that choke out the plants are the people who hear God’s word but don’t listen or try to understand it. Other things quickly get in the way and God’s word gets choked out of their life. The fertile soil represents those who ask questions and truly dive into God’s word. That one good seed in good soil will produce one hundred times the fruit. Jesus is always willing to help those that are planted in good soil, those who truly want to understand.
Questions. You can also ask questions to form a deeper understanding of what you read. Here are some:
- What do I learn about God?
- What do I learn about people?
- Is there an example to follow?
- Is there a command to obey?