Matthew 13 - Parable of the Sower and Kingdom of God
In chapter 13 of the book of Matthew you will find one of the most important teachings by Christ. We will discover the parable of the sower and parables of the Kingdom that align with the many mysteries that have been open to us. If you have eyes to see and ears to hear. (The understanding of this chapter is important, or you will not understand any of Christ's parables).
1The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. After Jesus left the house in Capernaum, He sat by the seaside and the crowds gathered around Him to hear His teachings. (Mark 2:13).
2And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. He would use this area and teach from the boat so the people could hear Him better. Kind of like an "amphitheater." (Mark 4:1).
3And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; The Sower in the old days would carry a bag of seed and throw it from side to side by hand. In this parable, the seed represents "the Word of God." The Sower here would represent "Christ," but we can also include the twelve apostles, or teachers of the word.
4And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: The wayside was a path that people walked on and was frequently traveled. The seed would get matted down when trampled on, and would not be good for growing. So, the birds just ate up the seed. (Jesus further explains this verse in Matthew 13:18-19).
5Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: When you have shallow soil, a seed will sprout quickly, but will not take good root. (Nothing there to support the sprout). When you pass on a truth to someone and they do not receive or research the truth, it will not mean anything to them. They lose the truth and it never took, just like the seed never formed a good root system. Just the opposite of what happens to one who receives the truth. (Matthew 13:20).
6And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. They young sprouts just die because they have no roots to nourish them. (They get scorched in the sun). Again, if someone takes no interest in a truth of God's Word it will just wither away in their mind. Under persecution, they can only endure for a while before they are offended and give up. (Matthew 13:21).
7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: The thorns choke out the good seed. Just like false teachings and traditions of men will choke out the word of God. But, it is also the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches, and lust for other things, that will also choke out the word and take you away from God. (Matthew 13:22, Mark 4:18-19). Remember how God cursed the ground with thorns and thistles because Adam listened to Eve and partook of the tree in the middle of the garden? (Genesis 3:17-18).
8But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Point being, when you plant seed, go for the fertile soil. If you find someone who excepts the truth, keep watering and feeding them slowly till they are able to stand on their own. They will bring forth good fruit by passing on the truth that they have received. (Matthew 13:23, Luke 8:15).
9Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. Did you hear what God had to say? (Isaiah 55:3, Ezekiel 12:2). Do you hear what Jesus is saying? (Matthew 13:16, Mark 4:9, 7:16). Does your church hear what Christ is saying? (Revelation 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29).
10And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? Why do use parables? Why don't you just tell the people what you mean?
11He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. The disciples were open, and in a good place to learn the meaning of the mysteries. What are the mysteries? There are many mysteries in God's word that will be open to you, if you study, research, and open your eyes and ears to the truth with a humble heart. They are hidden from the wise and prudent, but He will reveal them to you as His child if your a believer. (Psalm 25:8-9, Matthew 11:25, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 2:14, James 1:5, 1 John 2:27). What are some of these mysteries? "The key of David." (Revelation 3:7-10). Changing into the spirit body at Christ's return. (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The mystery of Godliness. (1 Timothy 3:16). For some God unlocks the mysteries of the Kingdom, and some are blinded for their own protection. Why? Because even if they knew the truth they can't handle it, or truly believe it enough to make a difference. They just set it aside and don't pass it on to others. "It withers away."
12For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. If you search out truth, trust in God, He will give you all the truth you can handle. But, if you are not searching and listening for truth and shut your heart to God (Luke 9:26), you won't receive anything. You will even lose what little understanding you already have. (Matthew 25:29, Mark 4:24-25, Luke 8:18, Revelation 2:5, 3:15-16).
13Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Jesus spoke to them in parables because He knew the hearts of the people. They hear what Jesus is saying, but don't understand. (They don't really want to understand). Why? For the most part they have been blinded by the god of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).
14And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: Christ was quoting from (Isaiah 6:9-10). If you won't even crack the surface, the seed will not take. You will never understand God's Word if you do not show interest or search for the truth.
15For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. "Their hearts are waxed over and have grown fat." Their ears are hard of hearing. Their eyes are closed because they did not care. Just as many do not care today. They have time for everything the world has to offer, but little time to study and search for truth in God's Word. (Its all about getting ahead and gaining wealth in today's world).
16But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. Do you have eyes to see and ears to hear? That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (Ephesians 1:17). When you acknowledge God through His Word, the wisdom of His truth will be opened to you. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. (Ephesians 1:18). Your heart will be flooded with light, even to see something of the future He has called you to share. God has been made rich because we who are Christ's have been given to Him.
17For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. Many prophets and Godly men have longed for the day Messiah would come; to see what the disciples are seeing right in front of them, but they still did not get it.
18Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. Here is the explanation of the story I told you about the farmer planting grain.
19When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. The hard path represents the heart of a person who hears the truth, but does not understand it; then Satan (the wicked one), comes and snatches it away. (Mark 4:15, Luke 8:12). Satan will always try to put doubt in your mind. (Deception - false teachings - traditions of men).
20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; One who receives it with joy and is ready to go; those who will receive anything that sounds good and run with it, but they have no good foundation in the word and only endure for a short time, or till affliction arises for the words sake. (Mark 4:16-17).
21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. Again, no foundation! No deep roots or depth in their life for the seeds of truth to sink into and stay. Most Christians have surface knowledge and faith; after a while when trouble comes, or persecution begins because of what one believes in, their enthusiasm fades and they drop out. When you stand for truth, you will get a little persecution at times. It happened to Christ and it will happen to you. "Don't worry about it, your a soldier for Christ."
22He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. The ground covered with thistles represents the man or woman who hears the message of truth, but the cares and ways of the world, and their longing for money, choke out the Word of God. (Matthew 6:24, Luke 8:14). They do less and less for God. Always making time for things of the world that please themselves, always striving to make money, they become married to their smart phones, but never have any time to study God's Word. (Psalm 52:7, Mark 4:19, Luke 18:24). "No good fruit produced, just gossip and greed!"
23But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Remember the seed is the "Word of God" and the good ground represents the "heart" of the one who listens to the message and understands it. When the truth is shared with others, it brings thirty, sixty, or even a hundred others into the Kingdom. It is the producing fruit that is important; not the amount of fruit. You can have all the knowledge in the world, but if you do not share it with others, it is useless.
24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: Now we go into a little deeper teaching of this parable. The "field" used here represents the world. Note: (Seed here now changes to "Sperma" Strong's #4687 in the Greek, male sperm, offspring). Good seed: Son of man (Matthew 13:37).
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. The "enemy" used here is "echthros" Strong's G2190 hateful adversary, "especially Satan." (1 Peter 5:8). The "tares" are the children of the "wicked one," Satan. (Matthew 13:38-39). Read our study topic titled "Son of Cain," for a better understanding of who the children of the wicked one really are.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. The children of the wicked one mixed in real good with the rest of the people. "Their here today and you can tell them by their works."
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? If you are not on guard with the gospel armor, children of the "wicked one," evil worldly people (James 4:4), will creep into your life, and you won't know how, or where they came from.
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? Should we get rid of them?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. No, Christ would say... You will damage innocent people if you do. (Never throw out the baby with the bath water).
30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Leave the "tares" alone (the false ones), till the harvest and I will take care of them. "Almighty God!" The wicked will be separated from the righteous. (Malachi 3:18, Matthew 25:32). The wheat (the righteous), will be spared, the tares (the wicked), will be burned. (Matthew 25:41, John 15:6).
31Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: The mustard seed is the smallest of the seeds to cultivate in the field. Just as a little seed of truth can be given to others.
32Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. The smallest of seed, but grows into the largest of plants among herbs. Just as a true ministry will grow large with truth. However, you must beware of the "dirty birds" that will come in and nest. (Your always going to have people come in and try to mess things up).
33Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. The leaven is symbolic of "sin." Let a little sin in through false teachings and traditions of men, and it will spread through the congregation. This also works the opposite way, when the "spirit of truth" is taught, it will spread through the congregation just like active yeast in bread. (John 16:12-13).
34All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: Why did Jesus speak in such parables? Because it is not meant for all to understand. (Matthew 13:13).
35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Jesus would open secrets in parables that were kept secret since the beginning of time. (Psalm 78:2-3). (Foundation here is "Themelios" in the Greek; at a time of the "Katabole," or overthrow of Satan in the first earth age). Read our newsletter study topic titled "Three Earth Ages," for a better understanding.
36Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. The disciples didn't get it, so Christ will explain to them what He meant back in verses 24-30.
37He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The "Son of Man" is Christ in the flesh. "He plants the good seed."
38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The field represents the world, and the good seed are the children of God; but, the tares are the offspring of Satan. (John 8:44). In John 8:37, Abraham is the father of the "Ethnos" (father of all), whom Christ would come from. "Christ is the Father of all." (Again, Seed here is "Sperma" Strong's #4687 in the Greek, male sperm, offspring).
39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Satan (the devil), is the father of the "Kenites," or son's of Cain. The harvest is the end of this world age (Matthew 13:49), and the reapers will be the angels. (Matthew 25:31, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10).
40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. At the end of this earth age; God will be that consuming fire. "The tares, children of the wicked one, or Kenites," (whatever you call them), will be destroyed with all evil." (Matthew 13:30). However, a "Kenite" or follower of Satan, can still convert to God's way (upon repentance), and they will also have salvation.
41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; Nothing evil will be left in the eternity. (All will be lost for Satan and his followers).
42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. All evil destroyed and will be as they never existed. A lot of people who thought they were on the road to heaven are going to be in for a surprise. The spiritually lazy, hypocrites, unbelievers, murderers, whoremongers, idolaters, liars etc. (Revelation 21:8).
43Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. The Godly shall shine as the sun in their Fathers Kingdom. (Matthew 25:34, James 2:5). Do you have ears to hear and understand how important this is?
44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. The field is the world, and there is no greater treasure in all the world than Gods truth, "if you find it and understand it." (Matthew 6:21). There is also no greater treasure to our Heavenly Father than you, "you are His child and greatest treasure." (John 1:12-13, 12:36, Galatians 3:26).
45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: "Its Priceless."
46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Putting nothing else first before the glory of His Word. Worldly people will not understand truth, or put it to good use by researching and sharing it with others. Again, "God's Word is priceless."
47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Gathered the valuable as well as the worthless. Referring to fishers of men and lost souls. (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17).
48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. The analogy here is to not partake of scavengers; separate the clean from the unclean, the good fish from the bad fish. (Just like separating the wheat from the tares).
49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just. In the end times, their will be a separation of the wicked from the Godly. It won't be good for those who are not written in the "book of life." (Revelation 20:12-15).
50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. These are the wicked people who don't care, or have been deceived. They never new the working plan of salvation from God. (The minute they hear a little truth, or need to study God's Word, they are turned off).
51Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Christ wants us to understand "all these things!" Not just for us to pick and choose what sounds good to us.
52Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old. We need the old testament and the new testament gospel. (The old testament seals the new and the new testament completes the old).
53And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. Jesus tied all his stories into one, the same message with a different analogy so all could understand. Then He left that part of the country.
54And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Jesus returned to His home town and went right to their synagogue and taught. The people were amazed that this son of a carpenter had so much knowledge, wisdom, and power to do miracles.
55Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? How is this possible? This man is just a carpenters son, and we know his mother and brothers. "They scoffed and rejected Him." (Try teaching truth in your home town and chances are you will be rejected also).
56And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? All his sisters live here also. How is this man so great? (The earthly side of man, can make it hard to see the spiritual within).
57And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. This word offend used here is "Scandalizo" Strong's #4624 in the Greek. (to scandalize; to entrap, trip up, entice to sin). They were offended, enough to plot against Jesus. Christ would go on to say that a prophet is honored everywhere except in his own country, and among his own people. (Yes its true, how many friends or family members really accept a truth you have given them). They only see you as you used to be, not how you are now, doing the work of God.
58And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Christ only did a few miracles there because of their unbelief. (Mark 6:5-6). You must have faith before God will answer any of your requests or prayers. "Being an unbeliever won't make it." Remember, God's truth is the most important thing in the world, and Satan will take it away from you if you allow him. Don't let Satan destroy your chance of salvation. "DO NOT BE DECEIVED!"
Keep the faith,
Barton
