Seed sown. Part 1

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.'

                                                                        Matthew 13:18-19    NKJV

Jesus often spoke in parables to reveal divine truth in a way that could be understood by seeking disciples, while simultaneously concealing it from those who rejected His message.

Here we see Him speaking to them about The Parable of the Sower. Let us look at the various parts of His discussion starting in verse 3: 

'Behold, a sower went out to sow.  4And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.'

Jesus gives the interpretation of this in v18 -19. These are the people who refuse to receive the message of Jesus. They hear the gospel but, do not understand it; not because they can't but, because they won't. They are adamant and refuse totally to become involved in this kind of thing. "Wars are caused by religion' they may tell us in their defence. Verse 4 tells us that birds came and devoured the seed. The birds are a picture of Satan. You have probably met some people who fit into this category; the Pharisees were like this.

Hardness of heart is difficult to deal with. It is like knocking your head against concrete and still getting nowhere. You may have had times such as this. I remember some years ago when I was doing some street evangelism and I gave a chap, a tract. As he took it, I asked if he was a Christian. His answer told me he wasn't, 'Well I have been in the Methodist Church for 40 years; I think that qualifies me, don't you?' I told him that I didn't think so, unless he had received Jesus as his Saviour. However, it fell on dear ears and he walked away.

Being in a particular church for years does not make you a Christian anymore than sitting in  Costas, makes you a cup of coffee. Without asking Jesus into your life is the only way; and this is why the devil will try and prevent people from knowing the truth. He won't get back into heaven so, he doesn't want you to either. 

Having a stony heart is not good. It will prevent people from having a place in glory when they die. Even up to this moment, if you sat down and thought about all of the times someone has spoken to you about Jesus, even if it was for a second, you could identify the times Jesus was inviting you to be His friend. It is the same with other people too. There was a course back in the 80's called Evangelism Explosion and it encouraged a person to go and door knock or stop people in the street and ask them a question. This was: 'When you die and stand before Jesus in heaven and He asks you, "Why should I let you into My heaven?' What would you say?' Many people would say that they had lived a good life; gave to charitable concerns, never hurt anyone etc etc. Their face would drop when you replied that was not the answer that would qualify you to a place in heaven. 'Only Jesus is my Lord and Saviour' is the answer.

Think about that, and the next time you speak to someone about Jesus, use this phrase. And why not use it on yourself as well?

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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