Matthew 13:1-23

Matthew 13:1-23

The parable of the four soils begins a series of parables that explains the reaction to Jesus. In the preceding chapters some have followed the Lord, some semi-rejected Him and the parables explains why. There are two teachings, one public and one private. The parable itself is public, but why teach in parables and explain in private? Rather than follow the verse order, consider why Jesus uses parables in the first place.

From this point on, all of Jesus' public teaching will be in the form of parables. Parables are the mysterious proverbs, a wise saying that to outsiders appears only to be stories, but to those with insight, explain the mysteries of the Kingdom. "To you it has been granted." It has been said to make money you must have money; it is the power of the return on investment. It is true spiritually as well. To gain spiritual insight from a parable there must be a spark, a spiritual insight already. The more you have to invest the greater your return. When there are no results from the faithful presenting of the message it is not the fault of the message. It is solely and only the failure of the one hearing. It is not enough to hear there must be God-given understanding. That understanding is given to those who desire it. There has to be some "want to" first, but just a little is enough to start.

As for the parable itself, it is not a remarkable story. By itself it would seem ordinary in the extreme. The disciples knew there was more to it because they had a spiritual spark, but they could not understand the parable yet. The first soil represents those who have no “spark” and no “want to”. The second soil is shallow with only a temporary commitment. When either general or specific hardships come, they pull up and leave. Perhaps they had “want to” for the kingdom only for what they can get out of it. The third soil is preoccupied; it is good soil, but there is not room in the heart for both God and Mammon. They had a spark for something else. The final soil hears and understands, because they want to. If there is even a tiny bit of "want to" then something can be produced.

"Lord, help me to want to be Your's. AMEN"