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.