18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Matthew 13:18-23

Questions for Reflection:

This is a really old, old piece of literature yet there is something so relevant about it. In our contemporary culture which kind of person (soil type) describes most people's response as the good news of Jesus and His kingdom is shared among them?

Try to articulate (even if your just talking to yourself) at least one significant, thoughtful connection you are having with this parable as you engage with it today?

Prayer of the Week:

Heavenly Father, I thank and praise You this day for revealing Yourself to me through Jesus! Thank you Jesus for loving me so much that You passionately and persistently keep reaching out to me with Your word, by Your Spirit and through people so that I might “get” You by faith and live now the meaningful life you intend for me. To be honest though, I want to “get” You more ... I know I “get” You some but I want to “get” … really “get” You and Your kingdom reign in my life and the world … more!

Jesus, I praise You for the creativity and passion that You revealed in using parables to reveal truth to all of us. As I pray through a portion of the sower parable I ask You to reveal afresh, today, what You know I need from You.

"Speak Lord, Your servant is listening".

Matthew 13 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Take a few moments to listen.)

Jesus, I also lift up to You by name people that I know are trapped in “unproductive soil” lives and I contend in prayer for them now. (Take a moment to name people now who need to be “good soil” hearers of the word.) I pray that Your kingdom would come in their hearts and Your name would be hallowed in their lives Jesus! Reign Jesus reign over them.

Thank you Father for revealing yourself to me. I desperately desire to live the meaningful life Christ intends for me this day!

Amen