Matthew 13:18-23 18“Therefore, hear the parable of the sower. 19Everyone who 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. 20And about what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21but he has no root in himself but is temporary, and when affliction or persecution happen on account of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22But about 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. 23As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and produces a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Now that the decision has been made clear, Jesus can explain the meaning of the parable of the sower. He explains the intended meaning of each of the major elements of the parable. The application is given right at the beginning as he connects the parable to the quotation from Isaiah 6. The seeds that are sown in the various places represent the word of the kingdom. Jesus both brings this word and is the content of this word. The crucial issue is how people receive the word about Jesus. The four types of soils represent four ways people respond to the message about Jesus and his kingdom.
First, the soil along the path represents those who hear but do not understand. They are similar to the people of Isaiah’s day. The word of the good news of Jesus is sown in the hearts of many people, but they refuse to let the seed sprout. The reason Jesus gives is the evil one, referring to Satan. The great deceiver followers those who sow the seeds and deceives people into following the wide and easy path of the world. People’s eyes are attracted to the false promises of material things and their ears listen to the wrong messages. If this happens long enough, their hearts become hardened to the voice of the Holy Spirit, resulting in walking in the darkness of unbelief. This part of the parable warns people about the danger of rejecting the message about Jesus.
Second, the rocky ground represents those who embrace the gospel with emotionalism and celebration but lack clear understanding and commitment. A root provides strength and nourishment to a plant. Shallow roots lead to poor health and eventually to withering up and death. The second type of people are not rooted in the truth of the gospel. So, when pressure from the world comes, they are easily swayed by false teachings or choose the easier way of the world, like the first group. This part of the parable reminds us of the importance of discipling by teaching people about Jesus so that emotions are confirmed with understanding.
Third, the thorny soil extends the warnings of the first two soils and emphasizes the dangers of being deceived by the false promises of the world. The gospel seems interesting to these types of people. They like what they hear, but they struggle to make a firm commitment. They may have faith but they lack obedience to take up their crosses and follow Jesus. The particular temptation Jesus points out is riches of the world. Materialism is the god of this age. People from all over the world want the latest gadgets, personal cars, nice clothes, bigger and better houses, and the list goes on. Focus is the problem. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings of life, but problem is when these detract us from the gospel and “I” replaces “Jesus” on the throne and the it is “my” kingdom and not “Jesus'” kingdom..
The fourth type of soil is good and fertile and represents those who hear and believe the message of the kingdom. They accept Jesus’ authority and believe in him as Savior, Lord, and Messiah. They live out their faith but following Jesus’ commands. The result of a life firmly rooted in him is spiritual strength leading to fruitful multiplication. Jesus’ goal for his followers is to bear fruit by being his witnesses to the world (Acts 1:8). The kingdom is not about us but about him.
The one part not explained in these verses is the sower. The most obvious meaning of the sower in the first historical context of the story is Jesus who first brought the message of the kingdom. In 28:18-20, Matthew extends this ministry of proclamation and seed planting to disciples. Followers of Jesus have the responsibility of scattering seeds widely and extensively. We should be prepared to receive the types of responses Jesus summarizes in this passage. Not everyone will listen and believe. Sadly, too many will harden their hearts and be deceived by the enticements and temptations of the world. No matter what response we get, we must continually share the hope of the gospel because some people will respond to the hope of Jesus and experience the promises of the kingdom.
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