�鶹������ҳ���

The parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9)

A farmer went out to sow seed. Some fell on the path and the birds ate it. Some fell on rocky places where the plants grew quickly, but withered when the sun came up. Some fell among thorns and the plants were choked. Other seed fell on good ground and produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Jesus concluded, “He who has ears, let him hear.”

Understanding the text

• The seed that fell on the hard path had no chance of growing, so it was eaten by birds.
• In many places there was only a thin layer of soil over the rocks so the plants would die when the sun came up.
• The thorn bushes were well established, so seeds falling among them would struggle to grow.
• The seeds that landed on the good soil all grew, but some grew better than others.

Jesus explains the parable of the sower (Matthew 18:23)

Jesus did not usually explain parables as part of their appeal for the listener was to work out the meaning. However, on this occasion he explained it for the disciples.

• Some people cannot remember or understand what they have been told. This is like the seed falling on the path.
• The person who responds enthusiastically to God’s word, but falls away when there are difficulties, is like the seed that fell on the rocky places.
• The seed falling among thorns is like the person who lets the worries of life get in the way of following God.
• The seed falling on the good soil represents those who hear the word of God and respond positively, but some make more commitment than others.

This parable can be taken as encouragement for those trying to preach God’s word. Some people may never respond, but there will always be those who do and God’s kingdom will continue to grow.