Note: When I decided to start this bible study series, I gave much thought to what I should call it. I thought about the desired effect of the studies, that is, to spread the Word of God and encourage people to study it and seek to learn more about God through scripture. The parable of the sower came to mind, and it is hoped that these studies are seeds that will be planted in people who read them, and hopefully, some of the seeds will sprout and flourish. For this reason, I decided to call by bible study sequence "Plant Some Seeds and Watch Them Grow".
Jesus did much of his teaching by the means of parables. The parable of the sower is not only stated, but is explained in detail by Jesus. The parable starts in the middle of Matthew 13:3 and goes through 13:9:
"Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!" (NRSV)
All mainstream translations agree in meaning with the above with no significant deviations in meaning. The main difference is that the KJV and NKJV indicate that the seeds eaten by the birds were those that fell by the wayside rather than falling on, along, or next to the path, which is not that significant a difference in relation to the meaning of the parable.
As with many parables, there is symbolic meaning present, as Jesus explains later in verses 13:18-23:
"Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (NRSV)
All mainstream translations are in agreement on the above scripture, with no significant deviations in meaning. What is special about this parable? Jesus actually explained the symbolism in detail in this case. He has divided those that receive the Word of God into very distinct categories:
It is obvious that understanding is the key to being able to use God's Word in one's life. Without understanding, the Word will be misapplied and misused, or not used at all. Therefore, bible study is extremely important. The bible is our source of information concerning the Word, and it is necessary to read and study it on one's own. Different people are capable of reading on different levels, so each person should acquire a translation they can read without difficulty for their main reading, and consult other translations to compare differences in wording and meaning on verses that are very important or that are difficult to understand. Those that are capable of investigating the original Hebrew and Greek words should equip themselves with interlinear translations, concordances, and lexicons, and study the important words from the original texts in detail.
Peter was a prime example of someone who fell away and denied knowing Jesus when trouble arose (Matthew 26:69-75). Persecution is one cause of "falling away" although plain anger is a more frequent cause of temporary stumbling and loss of faith. When trouble arises, it is far too easy to get angry or upset, which is extremely dangerous to one's spiritual life. Anger and worry separate one from God, take away one's desire to pray, and severely impair one's judgment. The importance of keeping one's spiritual life healthy through life's troubles cannot be overstated.
Matthew 6:24 says it best:
No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot server God and wealth. (NRSV)The Greek word for wealth in this case is "mammonas", which the KJV and NKJV translate as "mammon", while more modern translations use "money" or "wealth". "Mammon" was a common Aramaic word for "riches". Serving God while constantly trying to better oneself financially and acquire wordly possessions is not possible. Shifting the focus of one's life to serving and pleasing God is extremely difficult to most in today's extremely materialistic society. A better house, better car, new clothes, and more toys and gadgets are items on everyone's mind on a daily basis, as is the desire for a raise or promotion at work. The typical individual is so focused on improving oneself in power and financial status that God can be no more than second in their lives. People need to have more faith in God and realize that by seeking Him, that other needs will be taken care of. (Read Matthew 6:25-33)
Note that a huge yield is mentioned. The numbers 100, 60, and 30 are used to indicate the multiplicity of the yield. Those that succeed at putting God's Word to use by making it the foundation of their lives are the ones who please God and reap the benefits.
I encourage all to "plant some seeds" in your own minds and hearts, as well as in others' minds and hearts. It is my hope that this bible study series will "plant some seeds" that will flourish. I encourage all to make a regular habit of studying the bible and praying. There is nothing more worthwhile to study than God's Word!
Translation abbreviations used: