In Matthew 13:18-23, Jesus explains the Parable of the Sower: “Hear then the parable of the sower: 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. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 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. 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. 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.”*
This passage invites us to examine how we receive the Word of God. Are we letting it take deep root, or are we allowing obstacles to keep us from bearing fruit? Understanding how Jesus describes these responses helps us guard our hearts and grow in faith.
The Word on the Path
Jesus first speaks of the seed that falls on the path. Here, the Word never has a chance to take root. It’s quickly stolen away. This represents those who hear the Gospel but don’t grasp its significance. Maybe they’ve become distracted, or maybe their hearts have grown hard toward God.
How often do we hear the Word but let it slip away without thinking deeply about it? The enemy wants nothing more than to distract us from God’s truth. We need to guard against becoming indifferent or careless in our hearing. We can do this by approaching the Word with a heart ready to listen and meditate on its meaning.
Key point: Receiving the Word means guarding against distractions.
The Word on Rocky Ground
The seed on rocky ground represents someone who receives the Word with excitement but lacks the roots to sustain their faith. This person may be moved by the message of the Gospel but fails to grow deep in it. When troubles come, their faith withers.
A strong root system takes time. If we want our faith to endure through challenges, we need to dig deeper into the Word and into our relationship with God. We build these roots through prayer, studying Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with a strong Christian community. Don’t let your faith depend on good feelings or circumstances. Instead, develop a faith that will stand firm when life is hard.
Key point: Receiving the Word requires developing deep roots.
The Word Among Thorns
Next, Jesus talks about the seed that falls among thorns. These thorns are the “cares of the world” and the “deceitfulness of riches” that choke the Word. We live in a world full of distractions and temptations, and it’s easy to let worries or the pursuit of success pull us away from God.
What are the thorns in your life? Are you chasing after security, wealth, or status at the cost of your relationship with God? Jesus calls us to be mindful of how these things can rob us of spiritual growth. The Word cannot bear fruit in a heart tangled with competing priorities.
Key point: Receiving the Word means clearing away the thorns of distraction.
The Word in Good Soil
Finally, Jesus describes the seed that falls on good soil, which represents a heart that truly receives and understands the Word. This person not only hears the Word but also allows it to transform their life. As a result, they bear fruit—leading others to Christ and living a life that honors God.
Good soil doesn’t happen by accident. It’s cultivated through intentional time with God, confession of sin, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. When we receive the Word in good soil, we see growth, not just in our personal lives but also in the impact we have on those around us.
Key point: Receiving the Word transforms us and helps us bear fruit.
Cultivating Good Soil
The lesson from Matthew 13:18-23 is clear: how we receive the Word determines whether it bears fruit in our lives. Are we letting distractions, worries, or hardships keep us from growing in faith? Or are we preparing our hearts to hear, understand, and apply God’s Word?
Take time to examine your own heart. Is it good soil, ready to receive the Word and bear fruit? We can’t always control the circumstances of life, but we can choose how we respond to God’s truth.
Key point: Receiving the Word is a daily choice.
Spread the Gospel, lives depend on it!
I pray, MARANATHA! (Come Quickly, Lord Jesus!)
Your brother in Christ,
Duane
