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Matthew 13:3
Verse
Context
The Parable of the Sower
2Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore.3And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed.4And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.
Sermons
Bill McLeod
Shane Idleman
G. Campbell Morgan
John Nelson Darby
A.W. Pink
T. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, &c.--These parables are SEVEN in number; and it is not a little remarkable that while this is the sacred number, the first FOUR of them were spoken to the mixed multitude, while the remaining THREE were spoken to the Twelve in private--these divisions, four and three, being themselves notable in the symbolical arithmetic of Scripture. Another thing remarkable in the structure of these parables is, that while the first of the Seven--that of the Sower--is of the nature of an Introduction to the whole, the remaining Six consist of three pairs--the Second and Seventh, the Third and Fourth, and the Fifth and Sixth, corresponding to each other; each pair setting forth the same general truths, but with a certain diversity of aspect. All this can hardly be accidental. First Parable: THE SOWER (Mat 13:3-9, Mat 13:18-23). This parable may be entitled, THE EFFECT OF THE WORD DEPENDENT ON THE STATE OF THE HEART. For the exposition of this parable, see on Mar 4:1-9, Mar 4:14-20. Reason for Teaching in Parables (Mat 13:10-17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he spake many things unto them in parables,.... For the parables of the sower, and the different sorts of ground the seed fell in, of the wheat and tares, of the grain of mustard seed, of the leaven in three measures of meal, of the treasure hid in a field, of the pearl of great price, of the net cast into the sea, and of the householder, were all delivered at this time. This way of speaking by parables was much in use among the eastern nations, and particularly the Jews. R. Meir was very famous among them for this way of teaching: they say (a), "that when R. Meir died, , "they that were skilled in, and used parables, ceased".'' The commentators (b) on this passage say, "that he preached a third part tradition, and a third part mystical discourse, , "and a third part parables":'' which method of discoursing was judged both pleasant and profitable, and what served to raise the attention of the hearer, and to fix what was delivered the more firmly in their minds: what was our Lord's reason for using them, may be seen in Mat 13:13. He begins with the parable of the sower. The design of which is to set forth the nature of the word of God, the work and business of the ministers of it, the different success of the preaching of it, and the fruitfulness of it; and to show when it is truly received, and the various degrees of fruit it produces; that the efficacy of it depends on the grace of God, which makes the heart good, and fit to receive it; and how few they be which hear the word to any spiritual advantage and benefit; and how far persons may go in hearing, and yet fall short of the grace of God; and therefore no dependence is to be had on the external hearing of the word. Behold, a sower went forth to sow; Luke adds, "his seed"; as does also Munster's Hebrew Gospel here; and Mark introduces the parable thus, "hearken, behold!" it being a matter of great importance and concern, which is expressed by this parable, it deserves the most diligent attention. By "the sower" is meant "the son of man", as may be learnt from the explanation of another parable, Mat 13:37 which is Jesus Christ himself, who is often so called on account of his human nature; and may the rather be thought to be intended here, since the seed he sowed is called "his seed"; meaning the Gospel, of which he is the author, publisher, sum and substance; and since he is, by way of eminency, called , "the sower"; which must be understood of him as a prophet, or preacher of the word, who was eminently sent of God, and richly qualified for such an office, and was most diligent in it, and yet his success was but small. Indeed, every minister of the Gospel may be called a sower, who bears precious seed, sows spiritual things, and though in tears, he shall not return empty, but shall reap in joy, and bring his sheaves with him. This sower "went forth" from his own house to his field; which, as applied to Christ, may intend his incarnation, his coming into this world by the assumption of human nature, his appearance in the public ministry, in the land of Judea, and his going forth still in his ministers, and by his Spirit, in the preaching of the Gospel; and, as applied to the preachers of the word, may be explained of their commission, of their being sent, and of their going forth into the field of the world, preaching the Gospel every where. The end of the sower's going forth is to "sow his seed": by "his seed" is meant the word, the word of God; see Mar 4:14 so called, because of the choiceness and excellency of it in itself, that grain which is reserved for seed being usually the best of the kind; and because of its smallness, it being mean and contemptible in the eyes of those, who know not the nature of it; and because of the generative virtue it has, though not without a divine influence. Nor does it bring forth fruit, unless it is sown in the heart, as seed in the earth; where its operation is secret, its growth and increase gradual, and its fruitfulness different. By "sowing", is meant preaching; which, as sowing, requires knowledge and skill, and an open and liberal hand; keeping back nothing that is profitable, a declaring the same doctrine in one place as another; and designs a constant ministration of it, notwithstanding all discouragements, and a patient waiting for success. (a) Misn. Sota, c. 9. sect. 15. (b) Jarchi & Bartenora in ib. e Talmud. Bab. Sanhedrim, fol. 38. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.
Matthew 13:3
The Parable of the Sower
2Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore.3And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed.4And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Goal, Purpose and Evidence of True Salvation
By Bob Utley1.8K30:26MAT 13:3
This sermon emphasizes the importance of true salvation, highlighting the need for genuine discipleship and the evidence of a transformed life. It challenges the notion of a superficial faith and stresses the necessity of bearing fruit and living a life that reflects Christ's likeness. The message calls for a radical commitment to daily sacrificial discipleship and a shift from a self-centered Christianity to a Christ-centered one.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
The Soil Influences Growth
By Shane Idleman62554:10MAT 13:3
This sermon emphasizes the importance of the soil in which we plant God's Word, highlighting that the soil determines growth. It discusses the parable of the sower from Matthew 13, illustrating the different types of soil representing people's hearts. The sermon addresses the responsibility of hearing God's Word and applying it, as well as the dangers of doubt, the cares of the world, and hyper grace teachings. It encourages returning to God, examining the soil of our hearts, and trusting in God's timing for growth and character development.
The Parable of the Seed
By G. Campbell Morgan0Spiritual FruitfulnessKingdom Of GodMAT 13:3G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the significance of the Parable of the Seed, illustrating how the sower, seed, and soil represent the Kingdom of God. He explains that the focus should be on the nature of the seed—representing men who have received the word of the Kingdom—rather than the soil itself. The parable reveals that the effectiveness of the seed depends on the individual's response to the word, leading to varying degrees of fruitfulness. Morgan highlights the responsibility of believers to embody the principles of the Kingdom in their lives, influencing the world around them. Ultimately, the harvest of the Kingdom is determined by how well individuals understand and obey the word of God.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
The Parable of the Sower
By A.W. Pink0The Word of GodHuman ResponsibilityMAT 13:3A.W. Pink expounds on 'The Parable of the Sower,' emphasizing the significance of the sower's actions and the varied responses of the soils to the seed. He highlights that the parable serves as an introduction to the work of Christ and the challenges the Gospel will face among different types of hearers. Pink categorizes the hearers into four groups: hard-hearted, shallow-hearted, thorny-hearted, and whole-hearted, illustrating the human responsibility in receiving the Word. He warns against the false optimism of expecting universal acceptance of the Gospel, noting that only a fraction will yield fruit. The sermon concludes with practical lessons on valuing the Word, recognizing the inconspicuousness of the sower, and the conditions necessary for spiritual fruitfulness.
The Capture of Jericho
By T. Austin-Sparks0JOS 6:1MAT 13:3JHN 17:51CO 1:271CO 12:9PHP 3:14T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the significance of the capture of Jericho in the Book of Joshua, symbolizing the transition to a new ground of resurrection life and complete separation from the world's power. The chapter illustrates God's desire for His people to be absolutely separated from worldly authority, out of His love and care. The story of Jericho emphasizes the importance of spiritual completeness and the power of Christ over all other forces, requiring believers to be on heavenly ground to experience His strength and sufficiency.
Worthy - or Unworthy?
By A.W. Tozer0HOS 8:7MAT 6:26MAT 13:3GAL 6:7JAS 3:18Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of sowing, emphasizing the significance of scattering the seed of the Word of God, the Gospel, into people's hearts. Through various Bible verses, the preacher highlights the importance of sowing righteousness, the consequences of sowing to the flesh, and the principle of reaping what one sows. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to sow in righteousness, showing that every action is followed by a corresponding effect, and that sowing in righteousness leads to reaping in mercy.
Living Water
By John Nelson Darby0MAT 13:3HEB 9:9The preacher delves into the meaning of 'parabole,' which signifies a comparison or placing something beside another for the purpose of illustration. This term is used in various contexts in the Bible, such as in the parables of Jesus and the Old Testament tabernacle serving as a symbol pointing to Christ. The Old Covenant rituals and sacrifices were like a 'picture book' teaching spiritual truths until the time of Christ's sacrifice, which could cleanse the conscience completely. The inadequacy of the Old Covenant to provide a clean conscience highlights the superiority of Christ's sacrifice in the New Covenant.
The Falling Rain and the Budding Earth
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 147:17ECC 12:10ISA 26:18ISA 28:4ISA 38:16ISA 55:10MAT 13:3JHN 6:57HEB 4:12JAS 1:18J.C. Philpot preaches on the powerful analogy between the rain and snow from heaven and the word of God, emphasizing that just as the rain and snow water the earth and make it bring forth fruit, God's word softens hearts, convicts, and brings forth spiritual growth and fruit in the lives of believers. Philpot expresses the impossibility of true success without God's blessing on the preached word, highlighting the divine sovereignty in the effectiveness of the word and the varied effects it produces in different hearts. He encourages ministers and hearers alike to trust in God's promise that His word will not return void, accomplishing His purposes and prospering in the work He has ordained.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, &c.--These parables are SEVEN in number; and it is not a little remarkable that while this is the sacred number, the first FOUR of them were spoken to the mixed multitude, while the remaining THREE were spoken to the Twelve in private--these divisions, four and three, being themselves notable in the symbolical arithmetic of Scripture. Another thing remarkable in the structure of these parables is, that while the first of the Seven--that of the Sower--is of the nature of an Introduction to the whole, the remaining Six consist of three pairs--the Second and Seventh, the Third and Fourth, and the Fifth and Sixth, corresponding to each other; each pair setting forth the same general truths, but with a certain diversity of aspect. All this can hardly be accidental. First Parable: THE SOWER (Mat 13:3-9, Mat 13:18-23). This parable may be entitled, THE EFFECT OF THE WORD DEPENDENT ON THE STATE OF THE HEART. For the exposition of this parable, see on Mar 4:1-9, Mar 4:14-20. Reason for Teaching in Parables (Mat 13:10-17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he spake many things unto them in parables,.... For the parables of the sower, and the different sorts of ground the seed fell in, of the wheat and tares, of the grain of mustard seed, of the leaven in three measures of meal, of the treasure hid in a field, of the pearl of great price, of the net cast into the sea, and of the householder, were all delivered at this time. This way of speaking by parables was much in use among the eastern nations, and particularly the Jews. R. Meir was very famous among them for this way of teaching: they say (a), "that when R. Meir died, , "they that were skilled in, and used parables, ceased".'' The commentators (b) on this passage say, "that he preached a third part tradition, and a third part mystical discourse, , "and a third part parables":'' which method of discoursing was judged both pleasant and profitable, and what served to raise the attention of the hearer, and to fix what was delivered the more firmly in their minds: what was our Lord's reason for using them, may be seen in Mat 13:13. He begins with the parable of the sower. The design of which is to set forth the nature of the word of God, the work and business of the ministers of it, the different success of the preaching of it, and the fruitfulness of it; and to show when it is truly received, and the various degrees of fruit it produces; that the efficacy of it depends on the grace of God, which makes the heart good, and fit to receive it; and how few they be which hear the word to any spiritual advantage and benefit; and how far persons may go in hearing, and yet fall short of the grace of God; and therefore no dependence is to be had on the external hearing of the word. Behold, a sower went forth to sow; Luke adds, "his seed"; as does also Munster's Hebrew Gospel here; and Mark introduces the parable thus, "hearken, behold!" it being a matter of great importance and concern, which is expressed by this parable, it deserves the most diligent attention. By "the sower" is meant "the son of man", as may be learnt from the explanation of another parable, Mat 13:37 which is Jesus Christ himself, who is often so called on account of his human nature; and may the rather be thought to be intended here, since the seed he sowed is called "his seed"; meaning the Gospel, of which he is the author, publisher, sum and substance; and since he is, by way of eminency, called , "the sower"; which must be understood of him as a prophet, or preacher of the word, who was eminently sent of God, and richly qualified for such an office, and was most diligent in it, and yet his success was but small. Indeed, every minister of the Gospel may be called a sower, who bears precious seed, sows spiritual things, and though in tears, he shall not return empty, but shall reap in joy, and bring his sheaves with him. This sower "went forth" from his own house to his field; which, as applied to Christ, may intend his incarnation, his coming into this world by the assumption of human nature, his appearance in the public ministry, in the land of Judea, and his going forth still in his ministers, and by his Spirit, in the preaching of the Gospel; and, as applied to the preachers of the word, may be explained of their commission, of their being sent, and of their going forth into the field of the world, preaching the Gospel every where. The end of the sower's going forth is to "sow his seed": by "his seed" is meant the word, the word of God; see Mar 4:14 so called, because of the choiceness and excellency of it in itself, that grain which is reserved for seed being usually the best of the kind; and because of its smallness, it being mean and contemptible in the eyes of those, who know not the nature of it; and because of the generative virtue it has, though not without a divine influence. Nor does it bring forth fruit, unless it is sown in the heart, as seed in the earth; where its operation is secret, its growth and increase gradual, and its fruitfulness different. By "sowing", is meant preaching; which, as sowing, requires knowledge and skill, and an open and liberal hand; keeping back nothing that is profitable, a declaring the same doctrine in one place as another; and designs a constant ministration of it, notwithstanding all discouragements, and a patient waiting for success. (a) Misn. Sota, c. 9. sect. 15. (b) Jarchi & Bartenora in ib. e Talmud. Bab. Sanhedrim, fol. 38. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:3-9 This parable (interpreted in 13:18-23) addresses the mostly negative responses of the Jewish nation to Jesus and his message. • Parables (Greek parabolē) are stories that usually express an analogy between a common aspect of life and a spiritual truth. To understand a parable, it is necessary to locate the central analogy and understand it in its historical context and in the context of the Gospel text; then the central message can be understood. Speculative allegorical meanings that were not intended should not be found in every element of a parable.