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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We have read the Parable of the Sower and the Seed in Matthew Chapter 13. It is very simple and very straightforward and the crowds would identify with what Jesus was saying because there were fields and rocks and seed and farmers all around that part of the Galilee. However, the disciples wanted more. They wanted Jesus to go deeper and explain and amplify and that is always a good healthy sign. They ask a question and Jesus is more than willing to provide an answer.
The parable has a two edged effect. It is a parable about the teaching of Jesus.
The parable is not just a nice story. We have to ask – where am I in this parable?
Nobody is missed out in Jesus’ comprehensive picture of the preaching and teaching of His Word.
Jesus takes time to speak with those disciples who are around him wanting more. You can understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is prepared to share with the likes of us - Sacred Secrets.
Others will never really see, and never really understand, and they will have to be satisfied with Children's Addresses. But to these men, and to those of us who are reading and studying the Word of God and searching for further truth, Jesus is willing to explain and develop and expand the basic message - so that we can grasp its meaning - the hidden meaning.
But this happens only after you ask a question. Remember, many of the letters we have in the New Testament are the result of questions that arose - problems that arose in various churches - the situation in a particular fellowship. These men did not sit down to write The Bible!
Verse 19. The sowing of the seed - and the explaining of what it means - is the most important part of my work. Is this not a most wonderful revelation from Jesus for all who may be involved in teaching and are we not all involved in teaching in some way?
The seed is the word of God. This seed can come to life. There is potential in this seed. The seed has a dynamic potential. These are much more than black marks on white paper. This is the seed of God.
What gives rise to this question? Were these men a bit disheartened at the way things were going? Even cousin John had questions and reservations about how things were going and what was happening. Crowds were coming, but very few were actually hearing and paying attention, and this Word does separate the curious from those who really want to learn.
Hearing is as important as preaching - to hear what God is saying. The ground is as vitally important as the sowing of the seed. And, Jesus begins to teach those who want to learn.
How is your hearing? Are you just listening – or are you hearing?
Seed - with all its potential - has to penetrate hearts before any life can spring forth. We must not expect quick results. We are farmers - not manufacturers on a production line.
Jesus teaches that the word can fall upon hard hearts. If there are too many things trampling that heart - too much rushing around - too many commitments - too many irons in the fire - always having to be involved in something - a lot of effort and movement - all it can be doing is trampling down a person's heart and making it hard.
Seed needs a place to rest and germinate.
That is why at the close of a Fellowship Meeting, we have to be very careful what we say. We can so easily distract people from what Jesus has been saying to them. Something flies down and snatches it away. The evil one is as active as the sower.
The seed is the Gospel – and the sower is Jesus Christ – and Jesus begins to group us – and there are four categories – and it is quite terrifying.
Verse 20. Some seed falls on hearts that are like rock – crusted – callous – like concrete.
You see labourers who work so hard that their hands are calloused, and you can stick a pin in there, and they will not feel it. That can happen to a man’s heart.
Yes - there is soil - enough for a little show of life. But that weak seedling is growing in a tiny layer of earth.
This is great! This is for me! I like this! I have never heard anything like this! This is what I have been looking for! I will be back!
There is nowhere for the root to go down - adversity comes - testing comes - and the early response fades and withers. Some people give up, and give in, and disappear.
Jesus says - they fall away. "No thank you - I've had enough - I don't want any more - even though it is coming from you, Jesus, the Son of God."
Verse 22. The sower begins to sow! That was a word that encouraged me. In some hearts the seed grows for a little while. It can look so good. Some people can really impress you – and they appear to be fine healthy plants. But the ground has something else in it, and it soon throttles the word.
The rubbish and rubble in their hearts has never been cleaned out - not really. Soon the weeds begin to grow, and they can take over, and these growing weeds can choke out the promising life. Something comes along and grows - something which should have been rooted out - too many demands - too many places to go - too many cares - riches – pleasures – worries and deceitfulness.
Prosperity can lead a man astray.
Jesus, is this not a bit strong? Jesus, this is a nice parable! Is it? And such a life never produces any fruit. The early growth was intended to produce fruit in due season. Such people become tremendously unhappy.
What is Jesus leading up to - is there any fruit? Are there results? Do you sometimes wish the question had never been asked? The answer is so detailed and so relevant.
It is the seed which discovers the type of soil – the human heart.
The Word of God either blesses us or judges us.
These are real people Jesus is describing – hearts which are hardened – or shallow – or compromised – or open and receptive. Jesus deals with one thing at a time – the response of our hearts to the Word. Which category describes me?
We are responsible for the condition of the soil. The real question is – not that they received the Word with joy – but how deep did the seed go?
Where is the spiritual centre of gravity in your life?
Is the emphasis on Jesus Christ and the Gospel or something else?
Jesus turns to Isaiah, and refers to people who need to hear and repent.
The Word does find good ground too. The Word finds hearts and minds of men and women who are open and unprejudiced - willing to receive - wanting to be taught - and prepared to obey – but also determined to cultivate their faith - allowing it to grow and blossom and mature - as the seed is given every encouragement to grow.
There will be a changed life – open – teachable – welcoming the Word.
Jesus can break open compacted soil – and remove weeds – or come with His plough and that can be sore.
Jesus is speaking about quality - reliability - perseverance - patience.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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