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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 13:18 - 13:23
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mat_13:18-23
18"Hear then the parable of the sower. 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. 20The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 23And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty."
Mat_13:18-23 Jesus' interpretation of this parable was given to the disciples privately.
Mat_13:19 "the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart" In the parallel in Mar_4:15 he is called Satan (see Special Topic at Mat_4:5). 2Co_4:4 describes his work among men. It is surprising that the evil one appears so often in these parables (cf. Mat_13:25; Mat_13:28; Mat_13:39). Jesus asserted the presence of a personal force of evil who is out to thwart God's will for both nations and individuals. There is a veiled reference in these parables to the three enemies of man: (1) Satan (cf. Mat_13:19; Eph_2:2); (2) the world system (cf. Mat_13:22; Eph_2:2); and (3) mankind's fallen nature (cf. Eph_2:3).
Mat_13:20 "the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy" This was obviously a superficial response to Jesus and His message as the context shows. True salvation is an initial response of repentance and faith followed by an ongoing response of repentance and faith. There are many in the visible Church who use Christian words, attend Christian meetings, and read the Christian Bible, but do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (cf. Mat_7:21-23; 2 Peter 2).
Mat_13:21-22 "but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away" Christlikeness in attitude and lifestyle is evidence of a valid profession (cf. the books of 1 John. and James). An initial response, even when exuberant, is not always permanent or valid. See hyperlink at Mat_7:21.
The NT speaks often of those who heard having turned way.
1. no root, Mat_13:21; Mar_4:17; Luk_8:13
2. fall away, Mat_24:10
3. do not abide, Joh_15:6
4. gone astray, 1Ti_1:9; 1Ti_6:21; 2Ti_2:18
5. shipwreck, 1Ti_1:19
6. fall away, 1Ti_4:1
7. apostasy, 2Th_2:3
8. falling away, Heb_3:12
9. fall away, Heb_6:6
10. turn away, 2Pe_2:20-22
Christianity is a relationship which must be maintained! It involves an initial response (i.e., Joh_1:12; Romans 4), a continuing response (James and 1 John), and a faithful conclusion (Hebrews 11)!
Mat_13:22 "deceitfulness of wealth" See Special Topic: Wealth at Mat_6:24.
Mat_13:23 "it becomes unfruitful" Bearing fruit is the evidence of genuine conversion and not just an emotional initial decision! Christianity is not one high moment but a life of discipleship.
Manfred T. Brauch, Abusing Scripture: the Consequences of Misreading the Bible, p. 106, has an interesting comment.
" In warning against false prophets, Jesus taught that they would be known by the fruit they bore (Mat_7:15-16). That is, our character, our deepest values and beliefs, are ultimately revealed in the life that we live (Mat_7:17-20; Luk_6:43-45). Therefore, participation in the sphere of God's reign is neither guaranteed nor secured by the confession of Jesus as Lord; rather, only those who embody God's will in their lives are children of the kingdom (Mat_7:21; Luk_6:46-48). In his interpretation of the parable of the sower (Mat_13:18-23; Mar_4:13-29; Luk_8:11-15), Jesus asserted that neither the hearing nor the receiving of "the word of the kingdom" is sufficient. Only those who bear the fruit of its presence in their lives are revealed as those who truly grasp its deepest significance (Mat_13:23), accept it (Mar_4:20) and "hold it fast in an honest and good heart" (Luk_8:15)."