The Sower - Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

The seven kingdom parables of our LORD unfold important divine truths.  In Matthew 13:10-11 Jesus calls these truths a mystery.  That is, they are truths that were not revealed beforehand in Scripture but are now being revealed to the disciples and to the future church.

“And the disciples came, and said unto him, ‘Why speakest thou unto them in parables?’ He answered and said unto them, ‘Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.’”

They are truths we ought to give serious heed to lest we be discouraged or deceived.  Without these parables the Christian life would be much more confusing and frustrating than it already is.  They help us make sense out of the events we see unfolding around us. Without this knowledge many sincere believers would stumble and become discouraged.  It is true that the corruption that appears in the church has caused the world to scorn and to doubt the power of God.

Therefore, Jesus addresses these issues in the parables of the kingdom.  He explains to His disciples what the kingdom of heaven will be like on earth before He returns.  He tells us what we should expect to see so we will not stumble and fall.  He gives seven parables to illustrate various aspects of the kingdom before He returns to this earth and sets up His millennial kingdom. Six parables regard the condition among those who claim Christ.  

One parable regards the world’s reception of the word. This message will look at how the world will receive the Word of God.