Dear Explorer,
Yesterday, we looked at Jesus' Parable of the Soils. He explains it in today's passages but first, Jesus talks with His disciples. So, let's look at this interlude first.
Read Matthew 13:10-17
And
Read Mark 4:10-12
And
Read Mark 4:25
And
Read Luke 8:9-10
And
Read Luke 8:18
What does Jesus mean when He says that whoever has will get more?
I believe that as You begin to study God's Word, you will grow in your understanding. It takes practice! When you invite Jesus into your life, the Holy Spirit comes into your core to guide you and teach you how to grow so that you'll be able to understand more and more.
What do you think Jesus means when He says that those who have nothing will have it all taken away?
I believe He is talking about religious people who think they are in a right relationship with God but are rejecting Jesus. Without the Holy Spirit inside their core, they can't understand the Scriptures – but even worse, they will be empty for all eternity.
Now we skipped the disciples' first question. Why did Jesus speak in parables instead of just teaching the truth plainly?
Read Matthew 13:34-35
It also fulfilled prophecy (Psalms 78:2). Remember that Matthew was intent on showing that Jesus was the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. It's just a little thing – but important.
Okay, now to the real dirt, I mean… soils!
Read Matthew 13:18-23
And
Read Mark 4:13-20
And
Read Luke 8:11-15
What did Jesus say the seed represented?
Special warning: I have heard some teach that the seeds represent salvation. But Jesus, Himself, said that He was talking about how different people hear God's Word. So, don't get confused. It's important as you study God's Word to read carefully and let God say what HE wants to say.
What did Jesus say each of the 4 soils represented?
What do you think are some of the rocks that affect the way we hear God's Word?
What do you think are some of the weeds that choke out God's Word?
What is the evidence that the seed has fallen into good soil?
What kind of soil are you?
If you are eager to learn Scripture and what God has to say and are intent on applying it to your life and obeying it, then the Scripture will accomplish its goal – to make you more and more like Jesus.
But some of you need to deal with some rocks and weeds so that God's Word can take root and grow!
In His service, dale
Next study