How does your heart respond to God's Word?

Review

Has God's gracious dealing with you changed the way you treat people that others look down on and despise?

Jesus gives the parable and the explanation.

Luke 8:4–15 (KJV 1900)

4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: 5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience

Why Parables?

Large crowds calls for a parable. Mark 4:1-2 tell us that this crowd was so large that Jesus taught this from a boat.

Luke 8:4 (KJV 1900)

4 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable:

This will be the norm moving forward

Matthew 13:34 KJV 1900

34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them:

Parables are used often in Luke

Parable of the Two Debtors 7:41-43

Parable of the Sower 8:4-15

Parable of the Good Samaritan 10:25-37

Parable of the Rich Fool 12:13-21

Parable of the Mustard Seed 13:18-19

Parable of the Great Dinner 14:15-24

Parable of the Lost Sheep 15:1-7

Parable of the Lost coin 15:8-10

Parable of the Prodigal Son 15:11-32

Parable of the Dishonest Manager 16:1-9

Parable of the Widow and Unjust Judge 18:1-8

Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector 18:9-14

Parable of the Ten Pounds 19:11-27

Parable of the Wicked Tenants 20:9-19

Those without ears to hear

Luke 8:8 (KJV 1900)

8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Some will given to know mysteries but the rest will hear parables.

Luke 8:10 (KJV 1900)

10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

If you don’t understand the key to the parable, you don’t understand it at all. We can imagine what different people in Jesus’ audience might have thought when He taught this parable with no explanation.

The farmer thought, “He’s telling me that I have to be more careful in the way I cast my seed. I guess I have been wasting an awful lot.”

The politician thought, “He’s telling me that I need to begin a farm education program to help farmers more efficiently cast their seed. This will be a big boost in my reelection campaign.”

The newspaper reporter thought, “He’s telling me that there is a big story here about the bird problem and how it affects the farming community. That’s a great idea for a series in the paper.”

The salesman thought, “He’s encouraging me in my fertilizer sales. Why, I could help that farmer more than he knows if he only used my product.”

But none of them could understand the spiritual meaning until Jesus explained the key to them:

Messianic Secret

Ever heard God used reverse psychology?

Mark 9:9 (KJV 1900)

9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.

Matthew 16:20 (KJV 1900)

20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Mark 3:12 (KJV 1900)

12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

Mark 8:30 (KJV 1900)

30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

Messianic Secret: The “Messianic Secret,” if rightly understood, is not Jesus’ attempt to keep people from knowing, believing in, and following Him ultimately. Instead, it is the temporary means Jesus employed to accomplish redemption on Calvary so that all may be saved through faith in Him after His plan was fulfilled. - Leighton Flowers

This is how Paul explains it

Jesus hid the fact he was the Messiah for the cause of the cross.

1 Corinthians 2:8–9 (KJV 1900)

8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Jesus knew that they would make him king and this would mean no cross.

John 6:14–15 (KJV 1900)

14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. 15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Mark 4:11–12 (KJV 1900)

11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

What was the purpose in this temporary blinding of the eyes.

John 12:39–40 (KJV 1900)

39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

For WHAT reason could they not believe? Is it because they were rejected by their Maker before the world began? Is it about their being born incapable of responding willingly to God’s own appeals for reconciliation by God’s unchangeable decree? Of course not!  They are being temporarily blinded in their already calloused condition so as to accomplish redemption for the world.

What does the text tell us is the reason that Jesus used parables?

Differs from teaching that man was born with total inability.

These people were blinded for a temporary season for a purpose.

There hearts were hardened of people who had freely rebelled for a long time

God was acting solely out of a heart of mercy and a genuine desire for the reconciliation of every individual (Lk. 19:42)

Romans 11:11 (KJV 1900)

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

In His divine wisdom, He knows that is best accomplished through cutting them off rather than enabling them in their rebellion.

Conclusion of the matter

Those who did not have “ears to hear” who were not aware that the Messiah would come would continue in their disobedience. This would lead them to crucify Jesus which provides mercy and forgiveness of sin to all that believe. Even them!

Romans 11:32 (KJV 1900)

32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

2 Peter 3:9 (KJV 1900)

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

When we ask “Why did he keep it a secret sometimes?” we could also ask “Why did Jesus pay a tax when it was unfair to him? (Matthew 17:26-27)” and “Why did Jesus run away sometimes (John 8:59), but let himself be captured later?”

Romans 11:33 (KJV 1900)

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Understanding the Parable

Parable is not primarily about the seed. We will have variables, the heart, and we have the constant. The Word is the eternal constant.

Jesus us speaking to his disciples. Disciples being those who came to learn from him.

Matthew 13:16 (KJV 1900)

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

We know in John 6 some that identified as disciples would walk away.

We know that Judas would have been numbered in this group.

The Sower

No definition of the sower

Do not mix parables. Do not mix with the parable of wheat and tares

Christ is ultimately the sower of all sowers. But anyone who sows is the sower.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV 1900)

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

The Seed is the Word

When you go out to sow/evangelize? The Gospel.

In any country and time. / Moonshine festival, NYC, South Africa, London

Give God’s Word will full confidence

Luke 8:11 (KJV 1900)

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Seen in Scripture

1 Peter 1:23 (KJV 1900)

23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

The Gospel message, found in God’s Word, is powerful

Romans 1:16 (KJV 1900)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

A friend of his once came to him, depressed because for three months of ministry he had not seen a single conversion. Spurgeon slyly asked, “Do you expect the Lord to save souls every time you open your mouth?” Embarrassed, the man answered “Oh, no, sir!” “Then,” Spurgeon replied, “that is just the reason why you have not had conversions: ‘According to your faith be it unto you.’”

Throw the seed with full confidence.

Broadcast it far and wide.

Sow so people can believe and be saved.

Plant God’s Word and not devised fables 2 Peter 1:16 “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

Jesus uses the word hear 9 times in this parable. Jesus is very concerned about how and what we hear.

Key word in the application is heart.

The heart determines the response.

Luke 8:12 (KJV 1900)

12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Four Souls

This parable is not about a response to the word at any given moment. It sums up the different ways the word is received over a lifetime of exposure.

A. THE SOIL OF THE ROAD REPRESENTS A HARD, UNRESPONSIVE HEART.

The hard heart of the busy path.

Luke 8:5 (KJV 1900)

5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

Luke 8:12 (KJV 1900)

12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

The wayside soil represented those who never heard the word with understanding. The word of God must be understood before it can truly bear fruit. One of Satan’s chief works is to keep men in darkness regarding their understanding of the gospel.

He wants us to be so caught up with the burdens and the cares and the distractions of our lives that we don't think about our everlasting wellbeing.

The fool of the book of Proverbs

Trodden down by the activity of life. Taking no time to think about eternal things.

Devoured by Satan through doubt, pride, and the love of sin.

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (KJV 1900)

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

B. THE SOIL ON ROCKY GROUND REPRESENTS A SHALLOW, IMPULSIVE HEART.

The uncultivated heart

Some hear very emotionally, psychologically, like the rocky soil.

Luke 8:6-7 (KJV 1900)

Luke 8:6–7 KJV 1900

6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

Luke 8:13-14 (KJV 1900)

Luke 8:13–14 KJV 1900

13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Some will have a superficial understanding of the Lord.

Matthew 7:21 (KJV 1900)

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

C. THE SOIL INFESTED WITH THORNS REPRESENTS A DIVIDED, WORLDLY HEART.

The crowded heart

Luke 8:7 KJV 1900

7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

Luke 8:14 KJV 1900

14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

What were the weeds?

cares of this world

riches and pleasures of this life

A GENUINE RESPONSE WILL HEAR GOD’S WORD AND BEAR FRUIT.

How do I make a true assessment of my condition spiritually before God? The way you listen and respond to God’s Word.

How do you hear the Word of God?

Take care how you listen.

The kind of listener you are, the kind of hearer you are will tell you your spiritual condition.

Jesus’ point in this passage is that Satan himself has a real interest in your not listening to the Word of God. Jesus is indicating that for you to hear the Word of God, actually is to engage in a spiritual battle because Satan does not want you to hear the Word of God.

In some people, he distracts them immediately so that the Word never ever takes root.

In others, there's an initial response of joy, but then in all too brief a time, it's gone.

And still in others there is a response to the truth, but what happens? The cares and the riches and the pleasures of this world choke the Word.

What is the Gospel?

death, burial, and resurrection

recognizing you were cursed but he took your curse upon that tree

How does your heart respond?

Do you have ears to hear?

Are you hardened to this truth,

bored by it believing it is irrelevant,

think of it as a novelty that goes with the church stuff,

or have you been transformed by your knowledge that forgiveness is offered of your guilt and shame?

Why did that woman who anointed Jesus’ feet and why did these women in verse 2 and 3 follow Jesus? Because they saw their sin and they saw their need and they saw that Jesus had met it. And so what does Satan want to make sure you don't do so that you don't hear the Word? He doesn't want you to see your sin. He wants you to come in and listen to a sermon and think about everybody else's sins. “Boy, they sure did need to hear that message!”

Next Week: We look at how we should listen to God’s Word

Conclusion

What a privilege we are to hear what we have heard.

Matthew 13:17 (KJV 1900)

17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Psalm 40:6 (KJV 1900)

6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; Mine ears hast thou opened: Burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

Do you understand?

Matthew 13:51 (KJV 1900)

51 Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.