Notes
He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
… “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
… “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Do you understand all these things?” “Yes,” they said, “we do.”
Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23, 47-51
Our lives are testimonies of God’s work in us. Even difficult moments become opportunities for Him to move in and through us. We are called to invite others into that work through our lives, our words, our attitudes, and our testimony.
1) The Seed Is Always Good
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
Romans 10:13-15
Jesus teaches that the seed, the message of the Kingdom, is always good. What varies is the condition of the heart that receives it. We are called to scatter the Good News generously and cast our nets wide. People cannot respond unless they hear, and they cannot hear unless someone tells them. What God does in our hearts should be expressed outwardly: receive the gift, live the gift, and let it transform you.
2) The Heart May Not Always Be Ready
Not every heart is ready right away, but that doesn’t change our calling. The seed is always good, but the heart may be hardened, distracted, or not yet prepared. This is why we cannot give up on people based on what we see.
We sow the seed like it depends on us but pray for the heart like it depends on God. Even when we don’t see immediate results, God is still at work beneath the surface.
3) Be a Seed Spreader Rather Than a Soil Examiner
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow… The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.
1 Corinthians 3:5-6, 8
We don’t know people’s stories, their struggles, or what God is doing in their lives. We are not called to evaluate the soil; we are called to scatter the seed. That means not withholding the Gospel based on someone’s background, not assuming who will or won’t respond, and not letting appearances determine obedience. When the seed takes root, it produces more than itself. God doesn’t just save us to bring us to heaven. He saves us so we can be part of His work in the world and scatter the seeds of the Gospel.
Group Questions
- Why is it important to remember that the seed is always good?
- What does it look like to “sow the seed like it depends on you, and pray like it depends on God”?
- When are you most tempted to be a “soil examiner” instead of a “seed spreader”?
- Who is one person in your life you can intentionally share God’s love with this week?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the good seed of your Word and the work you’ve done in our lives. Help us to share it boldly, trust you with the results, and not grow discouraged. Use us this week to reflect your love and invite others into your Kingdom.