Matthew 13:1-9 Same day - that Jesus was accused by working under the power of Satan. Jesus spoke from a boat a little ways away from shore, which made an amphitheater. Parable - an analogy from everyday life to explain a spiritual truth. The seed - the word of God - sp. the message about Jesus - God's plan to bring forgiveness and restoration through sacrificing His own Son. The soils - us, people who hear the message The sower - Jesus and his followers Matthew 13:10-17 The reason Jesus spoke in parables. 11. The secrets of the kingdom were given to people who believed and acted on the truth - but not to those who did not believe. 12. God will reveal more truth as you believe and act on the truth you already have. 14-15. Isaiah said of his generation, that they would see and hear but not believe his message. Jesus uses Isaiah's words to say that people would hear and see the his coming in the flesh and still not believe. Isaiah's prophecy was at least in part fulfilled in Jesus day - and still is today. The invitation to receive Christ is open, clear, and uncomplicated. Those who harden their hearts against Christ receive no more truth. The Pharisees had hardened their hearts so much toward Jesus that they just accused him of setting someone free of demon possession by the power of Satan. 16. The disciples see and hear and received the Messiah. They enjoyed the marvelous privilege anticipated by the OT prophets. Matthew 13:18-23 The soil along the path eaten by birds - those who hear the message but do not understand it. The soil on the rocky places scorched by the sun - those who receive the message with joy but have no root and fall away quickly under trouble or persecution. The soil among the thorns - those who hear the message but it is choked out by the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth. The good soil - those who hear and understand the message and act on it. The four soils are four different responses to God's word: 1. Hardened 2. Shallow 3. Distracted 4. Receptive