Jesus tells several parables in this chapter. The first describes how different people respond to the word of God.
A sower was planting seeds.
Some seeds fell by the wayside and were eaten up by birds. These represent those who hear the word of God but are unprepared or unwilling to listen.
Some seeds fell in stony ground. These represent those who are at first eager to hear God’s word, but when trials or persecution come they turn away.
Some seed fell among thorns. These represent those who get tangled in the cares of the world and forget God’s word.
The last seeds fell in good ground where they grew and bore fruit. These represent those who understand and obey God’s words.
What kind of ground is your heart most like? A field or garden needs to be plowed, nourished, and prepared for planting. Good ground doesn’t often happen on its own. How can you prepare your heart to more fully accept God’s words?
What impressed you most in the parables told in Matthew 13?
