jesus taught the parable of the sower (matthew 13:3-9)
Introduction:
1. This morning we studied passages that teach us "why Jesus used parables in His teaching." 2. This evening we are examining one of the Lord's parables. 3. In these verses "Jesus taught the parable of the sower" -- it emphasizes the importance of hearing His Word correctly. Discussion: I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE THE SETTING FOR WHAT HAPPENED ON THIS OCCASION
A. We learn from Matthew 13:1-2 that "great multitudes" were with the Lord by the Sea of Galilee. 1. Jesus sat in a boat. 2. The people stood before Him on the shore. B. On this occasion Jesus did all of His teaching through parables (vs.3a, 34). C. We are especially interested in the first parable. II. LET US TURN OUR ATTENTION TO THE PARABLE (vs.3-9; Mark 4:3-9; Luke 8:5-8)
A. This parable has several key components: a "sower," "seed," and 4 types of soil. B. As a sower sowed his seed, it fell upon the 4 types of soil. 1. Some of the seed "fell by the way side" (vs.4). 2. Some of the seed "fell upon stony places" (vs.5-6). 3. Some of the seed "fell among thorns" (vs.7). 4. Some of the seed "fell into good ground" (vs.8). C. This parable involves a natural law. 1. A seed has the ability to produce a plant after its own kind (Genesis 1:11-12). 2. However, a number of factors [soil condition, moisture, temperature, etc.] will determine whether the seed produces a plant that matures and bears fruit. D. While Jesus dealt with matters pertaining to agriculture, He wanted His followers to hear an important lesson (vs.9, 18). III. LET US EXAMINE THE LORD'S EXPLANATION TO HIS PARABLE (vs.18-23; Mark 4:14-20; Luke 8:11-15)
A. In Luke 8:11 the seed is identified as "the word of God." B. As the Word is sown, it may be heard in various ways. 1. One kind of hearer is like the "way side" soil (vs.19; Acts 18:4-6). 2. A second kind of hearer is like the "stony" ground (vs.20-21; John 6:66). 3. A third kind of hearer is like the soil infested with "thorns" (vs.22; 2 Timothy 4:10a). 4. A fourth kind of hearer is like the "good ground" (vs.23; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). C. Since God's Word may be heard in various ways, let us heed the warning that Jesus gave in Luke 8:18 -- "Take heed therefore how ye hear."
IV. LET US CONSIDER ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS THAT RELATE TO HEARING GOD'S WORD
A. We must hear with understanding (Matthew 15:10). B. We must exercise caution about "what" we hear (Mark 4:24). C. We must hear with eagerness but also with discernment (Acts 17:11). D. We must avoid hardening our hearts (Hebrews 3:7-8, 15; 4:7). E. We must hear with meekness [humility] (James 1:21). F. We must obey as we hear (James 1:22-25). Conclusion:
1. Let us be grateful to the Lord for including so many parables in His teaching. 2. Let us study them carefully and take heed to the lessons that Jesus taught.
