Parable Word Study

Mark Berlin

PMM 240

Rev. John Saleska

April 29, 1999

Parable Word and Commentary Studies,

Parallels and Propers.

Matthew 13:1-9 (18-23) The Parable of the Sower.

Vs. 1:  That same day.  There is a transition here.  Previously, Jesus was dealing with controversies about himself and His ministry.  Now he shifts focus to teaching the people about the kingdom of God.

Vs. 3:  Listen or behold.  This is an attention getting device.  It is the hook before the sermon.

The Farmer or Sower.  This refers to Jesus and all those that proclaim His Word.

Seed.  This is the Word of God.  It is both the Law that has a tilling and preparatory effect, and Gospel which is life giving.

Vs. 4:  The path.  Well worn and packed down by many people.  It is the root most easily followed.  In this case the path does not lead to life.  It is impervious to seed.  It rejects God’s Word out-right.

Vs. 5:  Rocky ground or shallow soil.  The ground lacks preparation.  It is not ready for planting.  Seed falling on it is not sustained because of the shallow roots.  Faith that is not properly rooted in Christ cannot be sustained.

Vs. 7: Thorns.  These are the desires of physical life.  Money, wealth, pleasure and passion all qualify.  Not to be left out are all the worries of this life.  Any desire that gets between us and Christ qualifies.

Vs. 9:  He who has Ears to hear.  We all have ears so to speak.  The ability to hear with them is a gift of God.  It is a miracle.  Romans 10:14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Commentary

            Most of the commentaries consulted reiterated Christ’s own explanation of His parable in vs.18-23.  It nice to see His words accepted at there face value.  The biggest difference in interpretation was in the ability of man to control the quality of his soil.  Those commentators supporting decision theology were quick to point out that man determines his own receptivity to God’s Word and its acceptance or rejection.  Conservative, Orthodox and Lutheran commentators pointed out that God alone prepares the soil and plants His seed.  He then makes it grow by the power of His Holy Spirit working through His Word and sacraments.

Parallels

This parable is also found in the Gospels of Mark and Luke.  Mark 4:1-9 is basically the same as the Matthew account.  Luke 8:4-8 is slightly different.  The seed that is cast upon the Hard Path is not only eaten by the birds of the air; it is also trodden under foot.  The seed that falls on the shallow soil (according to Matthew) falls upon rock and is not scorched by the sun, but dies because of a lack of moisture. The yield of the good soil is one - hundred percent.  There is no mention of sixty or thirty percent.  Luke also mentions fruit that doesn’t mature, and the good soil that “hearing the Word, holds it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth good fruit”.

Propers for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (LW)

Introit:  Antiphon Ps. 34:8  Taste and see that the Lord is Good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Ps. 132:13-16  …this is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it—I will bless here with abundant provisions; her poor I will satisfy with food.

Collect:  …of your bountiful goodness keep us we pray…

Readings (three year series -- A):

Psalm 65 …Vs. 9.  You care for the land and water it: you enrich it abundantly.  The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it.  Vs. 11.  You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance.  Vs.12.  The grasslands of the desert overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness.  Vs. 13.  The meadows are covered with flocks, and the valleys are mantled with grain: they shout for joy and sing.

Isaiah: 55: 10-11.  "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Romans 8:18-25.  Vs. 23. “And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. 

Gradual:  no direct reference.

Verse:  Duet. 30:14.  Alleluia.  Alleluia.  The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.  Alleluia.