The Mission of the Sower
Matt. 13:3-9; 18-23
Pastor Jerry Koller

The Sower and the Seed is considered a foundational parable, one that is important to understand as far as the interpretation of the other parables in this chapter is concerned.
· This is one of only two parables that are explained by Jesus Himself.

We must not read our present understanding into a text that was written almost 2,000 years ago by an individual living on the other side of the world in a culture that was very different than ours.

People traveling from place to place would often have to pass through someone’s field.
· ...was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. (Luke 8:5)

· Planting a seed too deeply into the soil may cause the seed to not germinate.
· If you plant seed in shallow soil, it may sprout quickly, but you risk the danger of exposing those tender roots.

· ...the plants withered because they had no moisture. (Luke 8:6)

· There is an expectation behind the farmer’s sowing: bearing fruit.
· Mark indicates this fruit was some kind of grain, probably wheat or barley.

Explanation:
Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: (Matt. 13:8)

Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown... (Mark 4:15)

· Not only does seed have to do with the word of God, it also has to do with people.
· Here we see the two antagonistic forces at work in human history. On the one hand, there is the kingdom of God. On the other hand, there is the world and the evil forces behind it.
· Mark and Luke identify this evil one. In Marks’ Gospel, he is called Satan. In Luke’s Gospel, he is called the devil.

This enemy of the kingdom ...takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. (Luke 8:12)

These individuals, as seed in the field, cannot bear fruit as far as the kingdom is concerned because the seed has not established itself in their hearts.

Received (def.) - to accept as true or valid; to bid welcome to; greet upon arrival.
· These individuals, as seed in the field, cannot bear fruit as far as the kingdom is concerned because the seed has not established itself in their hearts.

· the desires for other things (Mark 4:19)
· They do not mature. (Luke 8:14)

In these first three examples, the mysteries of the kingdom remain hidden. The seed—the word—never firmly takes root and matures and as such, these individuals cannot take the word of God into the world and bear fruit. They have no kingdom value.

· …hear the word, accept it (Mark 4:20).
· …those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:15)

Mission: Jesus describes the mission of the kingdom that was ushered in at His first coming.
· The mission will continue until He returns again.
· During this period of time between His first coming and His second coming, there will always be two antagonistic forces operating in the world.
· The kingdom of God will spread and grow in a similar fashion as a farmer who sows seed in a field.

2-Fold Understanding of “Seed”
· The seed is the word of God: The Gospel. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Rom. 10:13)
· Believers as “seed”

While the seed of the word goes into all the world, not all will receive the word.
· There will be people in whom the seed takes root.
· He prepares the hearts of some to receive the seed like a farmer prepares good soil: those ...with a noble and good heart. (Luke 8:15)
· They will retain it (Luke 8:15)

Here is a picture of how the kingdom grows in our world.
· Divine seeds are planted in the hearts of men who call upon the name of Jesus for salvation.
· They themselves become divine seeds with which the Sower sows throughout the world.
· They take the seeds of the kingdom wherever they go.
· —to wherever we are.
· They are the only seed that will bear kingdom fruit for that is God’s design for them.

Some may produce larger crops than others, but all who are in Christ will bear fruit.

This is not a message we use to lead others to Christ, to bear kingdom fruit.
· It is a message to those to whom this responsibility is given.
· It reminds us who we are.
· It reminds us of what we are.
· It gives us purpose and value.

Wednesday, March 24 | 6:00 pm
First Baptist Church
(1635 76th Street, South Haven)

Join us as we prepare to celebrate the upcoming Holy Week with this special event on March 24 at 6:00 PM at First Baptist Church. Come and hear our guest speaker, Douglas Carmel, from Rock of Israel Ministries share the Gospel of Jesus Christ from a Messianic (born-again) Jewish perspective.
· Experience a true Passover meal that the Jews would celebrate.
· Learn about how Christ is the center of Passover.
· You MUST sign up by Sunday, March 21, so we can plan accordingly. To RSVP, register online or contact Kim (269-637-1291 | southhavenfbc@gmail.com).
· There is no cost for the dinner; however, we will collect a love offering for our facilitator so please come prepared to give a gift.
· If you are willing to help with set-up, cooking the meal, and/or clean-up, please contact the church office asap.

Bring your Jewish and ‘not so Jewish’ friends and neighbors!

· The Family of Norma Leins who passed away on 2/13 at the age of 101. Norma was a long time member of FBC.
· Vicki Olson is recovering from corrective surgery on both of her feet. Pray for a speedy recovery and patience as she is confined to bed while she heals.
· Rafael Cabrera (friend of Bob & Kim Collins) is recovering from a kidney transplant. He has fluid filling one of his lymph nodes which is then putting pressure on an artery causing his blood pressure to be high. Pray that draining the fluid will solve the issue and he will not need an additional surgery to have a stent inserted.
· Jim Seagren (friend of Stan Robinson) has liver and pancreatic cancer. Determining treatment options.
· Gena Bassett has found a new job. Thank you for your prayers!.
· Steve Follman is recovering from surgery for a total knee replacement.
· Randy Follman (brother of Steve Follman) is recovering from hip replacement surgery.
· Deborah Kirby (Vasha Ferguson's sister) is in a rehab center following a massive stroke in July 2020. Praise God that medical insurance has been upgraded to meet her needs. Her recovery is slowly progressing and although it is greatly painful, she is gaining movement on the left side with the help of therapy.
· Lynn Rarick continues to deal with hip issues. Pray that a resolution can be figured out.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com