Matthew 13 talks about Jesus Christ comparing different types of people who are receiving the Word of the Kingdom of Heaven with that of different types of soils available while sowing the seeds in a field.
The soil where the seeds
are being thrown is divided into four categories as follows
1. Soil along the road
2. Soil which is rocky
3. Soil with thorns and
weeds
4. Soil that is good for
cultivation
Let’s study the word
Jesus explaining to His disciples.
The soil along the road
is the one which is not watered and hence it is dry and when the seed falls on
it, the seeds do not germinate. This indicates that there is no interaction
between the soil and the seeds. The seeds remain without being germinated and
the seeds are taken away by the birds that find it.
People can also be like
this dry soil without water. When they hear the word, they are least bothered
to understand it. The Word is telling to change the way we live, a sinner’s
life. But this category of people never understands as to why we must change
our ways.
The soil which is rocky
has very little humus which supports the plant life. When the sun is hot and
the heavy winds blow, the moisture in the soil is evaporated and the plant
withers and wilts. The people of this category are those who understand the
Word and try to change the life according to the Word. But when they are tested
for their faith, they fall apart and lose the battle. They will follow the ways
of the world because they do not like to face the persecution on account of the
Word.
The soil full of thorny
bushes and weeds is very fertile. The seeds which fall on this soil germinate
and grow healthy. But because there are more thorny bushes around, the good
plant is chocked and its growth is hindered. The good plant does not bear
fruits. People of this category understand the Word very well. They will make
changes to their life, but to certain extent only. Because they are preoccupied
with their old teachings and beliefs they are unable to accept the whole Word.
Because of their questioning and reasoning on the basis of the knowledge that
they have acquired from this world, their wealth which makes them proud, they
are too busy to give time for the Word, lack of love for their Creator, the
pleasures of this world pulls them away from the Word. There can be many
reasons which will not let them follow the Word in spite of them being able to
understand what the Word says.
The soil that is good
for cultivation is fertile and free of thorny bushes and weeds. The seeds sown
in this soil will grow healthy and will produce thirty, sixty or even hundred
folds. This soil which is good for cultivation is prepared by the cultivator.
It is cleaned of the weeds and thorny bushes and then plowed to loosen the
soil. It will receive the seeds properly and the seeds germinate and grow
without any hindrance and it also helps them to be fruitful by providing the
needed minerals and water. People of this category are the ones who were like
the soil with thorny bushes but they are now free from those thorny bushes and
weeds. I believe that all the pains and troubles we face are the situations
where God pulls out those thorny bushes and weeds from our life. If we endure
all those pains and become the good soil, we will definitely understand the
Word and also implement and follow the Word. The Word will grow in us and we
will see the fruit of it in our lives. Whenever there is pain and troubles in
our lives, we must be glad that God is trying to make us better and so we must
seek and find the fault or sin in us that which He is trying to remove. We must
be loose soil to let the weeds go off with less pain. Or else He will use tools
to pull that out. The harder we become, the greater the force of God. Once we
come to know that God has chosen us and He is working in our lives, we must
gladly submit ourselves into His hands. In this way our lives will be much
better and with Peace that Jesus Christ gives.
Jesus Christ said in
verse John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to
you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be
afraid.
Prayer: Our Father in
Heaven, we give you thanks for the Word that you have given us. Please make us
the good soil for you. Cleanse us with the Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Give
us the wisdom and knowledge to understand your Word. May your Word be fruitful
and may you be glorified in our lives.
In Jesus Name we pray.
Amen.
