Matthew 13

“Hear then the parable of the sower” (v18).  Jesus said the “the word of the kingdom” (v19) is like seed, and it has transforming power.  Because of God’s loving initiative, the Son comes to give life (v37), but this good news must be eagerly and deeply embraced.  Things like lack of understanding, the cares of the world, shallow commitment, and the deceitfulness of wealth can interfere with the seed of the kingdom taking root in our hearts (v19-22).  Faith must be followed by surrendering completely to Jesus, the “one pearl” worth everything (v46).

Jesus promised that when we whole-heartedly embrace God’s kingdom, we will bear fruit and be multiplied many times over (v23).