Did you ever wonder why so many people hear the Gospel but reject it? After today’s devotional, you will understand. The answer is straight from Jesus’s word.
Our text for today is Matthew 13:3–8.
[3] Jesus said, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. [4] And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.
[5] Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.
[7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings.
[8] Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold.
Upon hearing this parable, the disciples were confused and did not understand its meaning. Jesus, therefore, explained:
Some people have hearts that are like a hardened path. As soon as the seed of the word is sown in their hearts, evil comes and snatches it away.
Others have hearts that are like rocky ground. They hear the word and receive it with joy, but since they have no root, their faith remains for only a short time. When trouble or persecution arises because of the word, they quickly fall away and become unfaithful.
Then there are those whose hearts are like a thorny field. They hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and they become unfruitful.
However, some people have hearts that are like good soil. They hear the word, understand it, and bear fruit accordingly.
Through this parable, Jesus teaches us that Christians are expected to bear fruit. He also explains why some people hear God’s word but remain unfruitful. The condition of one’s heart determines the outcome.
Lonnie Davis