Daily Word - A Parable Explained - Matthew 13:18-23

Scripture:
Matthew 13:18-23 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The Parable of the Sower Explained
18 "You, then, listen to the parable of the sower: (A) 19 When anyone hears the word [a] about the kingdom and doesn't understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path. (B) 20 And the one sown on rocky ground—this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. (C) 21 Yet he has no root in himself, but is short-lived. When pressure or persecution (D) comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now the one sown among the thorns—this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age (E) and the seduction [b] of wealth (F) choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23 But the one sown on the good ground—this is one who hears and understands the word, who does bear fruit and yields: some 100, some 60, some 30 times [what was sown]."
Footnotes:
Matthew 13:19 Gk logos = word, or message, or saying, or thing
Matthew 13:22 Or pleasure, or deceitfulness
Cross references:
Matthew 13:18 : Mk 4:13-20; Lk 8:11-15;
Matthew 13:19 : Mt 4:23; 5:37; 6:13;
Matthew 13:20 : Is 58:2; Ezk 33:31-32; Mk 6:20; Jn 5:35;
Matthew 13:21 : Mk 4:17; 10:30; Ac 8:1; 13:50; Rm 8:35; 2Co 12:10;
Matthew 13:22 : Rm 12:2; 2Tm 4:10; 1Jn 2:15;
Matthew 13:22 : Mt 19:23; Mk 10:23; 1Tm 6:9-10; 2Tm 4:10;

Reflection:
How good are you at listening especially for the word of God? God is ever ready to speak to each of us and to give us understanding of his word. This parable of Jesus is a warning to those who hear and who preach the word of God. What makes us ineffective and unresponsive to God's word? Preoccupation with other things can distract us from what is truly important and worthwhile. And letting our hearts and minds be consumed with material things can easily weigh us down and draw us away from the treasure that lasts for eternity. God's word can only take root in a receptive heart which is docile and ready to hear what God has to say. One lesson is clear: the harvest is sure. While some seed will fall by the wayside and some fall on shallow ground and never come to maturity, and some be choked to death by the thorns; nonetheless a harvest will come. The seed that falls on good soil, on the heart that is receptive, will reap abundant fruit. Are you teachable and eager to learn God's truth? And do you allow anything to keep you from submitting to God's word with joy and trusting obedience?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, help me to guard the word you have planted in my heart that no doubt or temptation may keep me from believing and obeying you. May I be fruitful in your service and may I never fear to speak of you to others and to share with them the good news of the gospel.