Matthew 13:18-23
Hear you therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, there cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart: this is he that received the seed by the way side. And he that received the seed upon stony ground, is he that heareth the word, and immediately receiveth it with joy. Yet hath he not root in himself, but is only for a time: and when there ariseth tribulation and persecution because of the word, he is presently scandalized. And he that received the seed among thorns, is he that heareth the word, and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choketh up the word, and he becometh fruitless. But he that received the seed upon good ground, is he that heareth the word, and understandeth, and beareth fruit, and yieldeth the one an hundredfold, and another sixty, and another thirty.
In Matthew 13:18-23, Jesus explains the parable of the sower. The same seed falls on different soils, just as God’s Word reaches different hearts. Some hearts are hardened, some distracted, some shallow, and some fruitful. This Gospel invites honest self-examination. What prevents God’s Word from growing in us? Worry, temptation, pride, or busyness can choke spiritual life. Yet with grace, our hearts can become good soil. Today, may we receive the Word with patience and perseverance, allowing it to bear fruit in faith, hope, and love.