Daily Bible Reading – September 2023, God’s Saving Word: WisdomSample

September 10

Introduction

Today we begin reading the first part of chapter 13 which introduces a collection of Jesus’s teachings known as parables. The word parable comes from a Greek term that means “to throw alongside.” Jesus often taught by means of parables, using images from everyday life “alongside” the lesson as a way of illustrating or clarifying his message. Today’s reading is the parable of the sower, also known as the parable of the seeds or parable of four kinds of soil.

Scripture Reading

Matthew 13:1-17

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 13:11a

Jesus answered, “The knowledge about the secrets of the Kingdom of heaven has been given to you.”

Reflect

What is your understanding of the parable of the sower? Who is the sower? What do the seeds represent? How can you be like “the good soil” in which the seed is sown? What would you need to do to keep your seed nourished? How is being like seed “sown in the good soil” related to living a life of faith?

Pray

Lord Jesus, give me ears to listen to you. I confess that sometimes I may be like an exposed path or rocky ground or a thorn bush. But I want to be good soil. Plant the seed of your Word in my heart. Teach me to nourish this seed through daily prayer and by studying the Holy Scriptures so that I grow in faith and bear fruit for your Kingdom. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Matthew 13:18-35: Jesus explains the parable of the sower.