The Lord said to me…”I will test my people with a Plumbline,
Amos 7:8 (TLB)
#1 The Beginning of the Kingdom Matt. 13:1–9, 18–23
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| The Word Living and Powerful |
The Parable of the Sower does not begin with “The kingdom of
heaven is like” because it describes how the kingdom begins. It begins with the
preaching of the Word, the planting of the seed in the hearts of people. When
we say, “Let me plant this thought in your mind,” we express the idea of this
parable. The seed is God’s Word; the various soils represent different kinds of
hearts; and the varied results show the different responses to the Word of God.
Jesus explained this parable so there is no doubt of its meaning.
Why compare God’s Word to seed? Because the Word is “living
and powerful” Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and
spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart. Unlike the words of
men, the Word of God has life in it; and that life can be imparted to those who
will believe. The truth of God must take root in the heart, be cultivated, and
permitted to bear fruit. It is shocking to realize that three fourths of the
seed did not bear fruit. Jesus did not describe an age of great harvest, but
one in which the Word would be rejected. He was not impressed with the “great
multitudes” that followed Him, for He knew that most of the people would not
receive His Word within and bear fruit.
Fruit is the test of true salvation Matthew 7:16 (NKJV).
You will know them by their fruits. This would include holiness Romans 6:23
(NKJV). For the wages of sin is
death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Christian
character Galatians 5:22-23
(NKJV) 22 But the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23
gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law, good works
Colossians 1:10
(NKJV) that you may walk worthy of the Lord,
fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in
the knowledge of God, winning others to Christ Romans 1:13
(NKJV) Now I do not want you to be unaware,
brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now),
that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles, sharing
what we have Romans 15:25-28
(NKJV) 25 But now I am going to
Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from
Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the
saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are
their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual
things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore,
when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by
way of you to Spain, and praising God Hebrews 13:15
(NKJV) Therefore by Him let us continually offer
the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving
thanks to His name. If a plant is to bear fruit, it must be rooted in soil and
exposed to sunshine.
In the parable, the sun represents persecution that comes
because of the Word. Persecution helps
believers grow. But the sunshine will kill a plant with no roots. This
explains why some “believers” do not last: Their faith was weak, their
understanding was meager, and their decision was not sincere. It is possible to
“believe” and yet not be saved (John 2:23–25). Unless there is fruit in the
life, there is not saving faith in the heart.
Nineteen times
in Matthew 13 we find the word “hear.” The Parable of the Sower is found in the
first three Gospels, and in each one, the closing admonition is different. It
is important that we hear God’s Word, because “Faith cometh by hearing, and
hearing by the Word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Jesus said, “Who hath ears to hear” (Matt.
13:9), “Take heed what you hear!”
(Mark 4:24), and “Take heed how you
hear!” (Luke 8:18)[1]
[1]
Wiersbe, Warren W. (1996). The Bible
exposition commentary (Mt 13:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
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