He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, 'Behold, a farmer went out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them. Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn't have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away. Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. Matthew 13:3-8 WEB.

After He taught the parable of the Sower, Jesus explained it in detail to His disciples (Luke 18:11). He told them the seed represented the word of God, and the four types of soil represented people. The seed is consistently good, but the quality of the ground varies (Matthew 13:18).

1. There is the seed scattered along the road: The hard heart. This was like the Pharisees, who at first were curious about Jesus. However, when they saw Him welcome sinners and ignore their traditions, they coldly rejected Him. His words became an offense to them. They grew envious, and they plotted on the best way to dispose of Him. They became hardened.

2. There is the seed scattered among rocks: The shallow heart. This soil is people with shallow faith, and it is revealed the moment outward trouble arises. When tribulations, persecutions, and various sufferings rise in their life, like seed laying in the scorching sun, their shallow "faith" sadly withers away. The person who "immediately" received the gospel with joy also "immediately fell away."

3. There is the seed scattered among thorns: The strangled heart. This soil represents those who let the love of worldly things, especially the love of money, prevent them from fully committing to Jesus. Matthew 6:24 tells us that "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." I can tell you from experience that He will force you to choose between Him and your money. He will relentlessly pursue the subject until you either reject Him or surrender your wallet and learn to be a cheerful giver.

4. Finally, there is the good soil: The surrendered heart. The one who hears the word and understands it. Who endures the circumstances and bears fruit. Jesus repeatedly tells us in Matthew'that if you follow Him, suffering will follow you. Endurance is part of the basics of Christianity as in: "Take up your cross and follow Me" and "the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13).

The kingdom of God is within us, and in a sense, we are God's field. Our actions and attitudes determine the quality of our soil and the amount of fruit produced.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for what I have done in the past and give me a fresh start today. I want to live my life for You. I surrender to You. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: HE is Risen! We pray that you all have a most blessed and joyful Resurrection Day! All are invited to join us this morning for our RHM Live Online church service and Christmas celebration! This is a special time of worship, prayer, fellowship and an inspiring message. All are welcome! Here is the link to join: RHM Live

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