Mat 13:1-9 | Family | STEP | Seaside ; the sea of Galilee.

Matthew 13:1-9

Seaside; the sea of Galilee. Ship; a small vessel or fishing-boat Parables; the parables of Christ were descriptions of natural things, for the purpose of illustrating spiritual things. The seven parables recorded in this chapter all relate to the kingdom of heaven among men. See note on Chap Mt 3:2. They are both illustrations of its nature and prophecies of its progress. Wayside; where the ground was not ploughed, and the seed sown not covered. Careless hearers receive no benefit from the word of truth, though it be preached ever so faithfully. Stony places; where the rocks were but slightly covered with earth. To be savingly benefited by the preaching of the gospel, it is not enough that persons admit its truths, that their feelings are excited, that they are greatly distressed on account of sin, or that they have a hope of salvation, and are exceedingly joyful. They must take Christ for their teacher and pattern; must trust in him for salvation; and whatever it may cost them, must perserve in obeying him to the end. Because they had no root; the roots could not go down deep enough to obtain the moisture needful for their growth. Thorns; parts of the field which had not been cleared.

Choked; so shaded and exhausted in the ground as to prevent the grain from yielding increase. Supreme devotion to this world, whatever by a man's feelings and conduct in other respects, will prevent all saving efficacy of the gospel; and as long as it is continued, will exclude from the soul the love of God. 1Jo 2:15. Good Ground; rich soil, and well prepared. Notice the gradation in respect to these four kinds of soil. In the first, the seed perishes without even springing up; in the second, it springs up, but withers away; in the third, it springs up and bears fruit, but not to perfection; in the fourth, it yields a harvest of perfect grain.