WHO DOES THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER PICTURE?

[Doug]

[Matthew 13:18 KJV] 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

Jesus is explaining this parable to his disciples.

I believe this parable represents the gospel of the kingdom preached to Israel.

[Matthew 13:19 KJV] 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Jesus says that the word being preached is indeed "the word of the kingdom" in verse 19 above.

The Davidic kingdom is promised to the believing remnant of Israel who will reign with Christ for a thousand years (Luke 1:32-33 Revelation 20:6).

The gospel of the kingdom preached by Christ and his disciples was that the Davidic kingdom was at hand (Matthew 4:17).

[Matthew 13:20-21 KJV] 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

The hearer received the word of the kingdom, but does not endure until the end. Enduring until the end is required to enter the kingdom. [Matthew 10:22 KJV] 22 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

[Matthew 13:22 KJV] 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

The hearer received the word, but produced no fruit. Fruit is required to enter the kingdom. The kingdom was promised to the nation of Israel, if they believed the gospel of the kingdom, and produced fruit. If they didn't produce fruit, the kingdom would be given to the believing nation of Israel. [Matthew 21:43 KJV] 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

[Matthew 13:23 KJV] 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

This is the believing remnant of Israel that will inherit the Davidic kingdom on earth. This is the fruitful nation of Israel. The amount of fruit determines their positions of authority in the kingdom [Matthew 25:21 KJV] 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.)

 

[LoveYeshua]

[Matthew 13:18 KJV] 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

Jesus is explaining this parable to his disciples.

I believe this parable represents the gospel of the kingdom preached to Israel.

[Matthew 13:19 KJV] 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Jesus says that the word being preached is indeed "the word of the kingdom" in verse 19 above.

The Davidic kingdom is promised to the believing remnant of Israel who will reign with Christ for a thousand years (Luke 1:32-33 Revelation 20:6).

The gospel of the kingdom preached by Christ and his disciples was that the Davidic kingdom was at hand (Matthew 4:17).

[Matthew 13:20-21 KJV] 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

The hearer received the word of the kingdom, but does not endure until the end. Enduring until the end is required to enter the kingdom. [Matthew 10:22 KJV] 22 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

[Matthew 13:22 KJV] 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

The hearer received the word, but produced no fruit. Fruit is required to enter the kingdom. The kingdom was promised to the nation of Israel, if they believed the gospel of the kingdom, and produced fruit. If they didn't produce fruit, the kingdom would be given to the believing nation of Israel. [Matthew 21:43 KJV] 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

[Matthew 13:23 KJV] 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

This is the believing remnant of Israel that will inherit the Davidic kingdom on earth. This is the fruitful nation of Israel. The amount of fruit determines their positions of authority in the kingdom [Matthew 25:21 KJV] 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.)

The Parable of the Sower (KJV)

“Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: ‘Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’” (Matthew 13:3–9 NKJV)

Jesus told this parable to show how the message of God’s kingdom is received by different hearts. The seed represents the word of the kingdom, and the soil represents the heart of each person who hears it. When the message is preached, the result depends on how the heart responds.

Some hearts are like the hard road — they hear the word but do not understand it, so the wicked one quickly takes it away. Others are like rocky soil — they receive the word with joy, but their faith has no root. When trouble or persecution comes, they fall away. Some hearts are like ground full of thorns — they hear, but the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word so that it bears no fruit. But the good ground represents those who hear the word, understand it, and keep it. Their faith grows strong, and they bear fruit — some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. The fruit they bear shows that their hearts belong to God and that they truly live by His word.

Though Jesus first spoke this parable to Israel, its meaning is for all people. At first, the gospel of the kingdom was preached in Israel, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham and David. But Jesus made clear that the kingdom would not belong to Israel alone. He said, “Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11). Later, after His resurrection, He commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19), showing that the same word of the kingdom is for the whole world.

Jesus also said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). So the parable of the sower applies to every heart, whether Jew or Gentile. Anyone who hears, believes, and does the will of God can enter the kingdom. As Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

The message of the parable is simple but eternal: the word of God is like a seed, and the heart is the soil. Those who keep it in faith and live by it will bear good fruit. The kingdom of God is not limited to one nation but open to all who hear the word, believe, obey, and endure to the end. These are the true children of the kingdom who will share in the joy of their Lord forever.

Blessings.

 

[ScottA]

[Matthew 13:18 KJV] 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

Jesus is explaining this parable to his disciples.

I believe this parable represents the gospel of the kingdom preached to Israel.

[Matthew 13:19 KJV] 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Jesus says that the word being preached is indeed "the word of the kingdom" in verse 19 above.

The Davidic kingdom is promised to the believing remnant of Israel who will reign with Christ for a thousand years (Luke 1:32-33 Revelation 20:6).

The gospel of the kingdom preached by Christ and his disciples was that the Davidic kingdom was at hand (Matthew 4:17).

[Matthew 13:20-21 KJV] 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

The hearer received the word of the kingdom, but does not endure until the end. Enduring until the end is required to enter the kingdom. [Matthew 10:22 KJV] 22 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

[Matthew 13:22 KJV] 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

The hearer received the word, but produced no fruit. Fruit is required to enter the kingdom. The kingdom was promised to the nation of Israel, if they believed the gospel of the kingdom, and produced fruit. If they didn't produce fruit, the kingdom would be given to the believing nation of Israel. [Matthew 21:43 KJV] 43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

[Matthew 13:23 KJV] 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

This is the believing remnant of Israel that will inherit the Davidic kingdom on earth. This is the fruitful nation of Israel. The amount of fruit determines their positions of authority in the kingdom [Matthew 25:21 KJV] 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.)

The Sower sowed seed unto Israel as a light unto all nations. Then He took away and gave to another:

Matthew 21:43: "Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits".

 

[soberxp]

Once, I scattered a pile of soil and a handful of seeds on the concrete ground behind the courtyard. After some time, thorns grew from the ground, and they formed a circle like a bird's nest. I felt that the Lord was telling me that I was in such a situation, and I was deeply discouraged at that time.

After some time passed, I went there to check again and saw that the thorns had disappeared, and green grass had grown instead. Among the grass blades, one shoot grew a straight branch that pointed toward the sky at a 90-degree angle.

Later still, a tree grew there.

 

[Doug]

The Sower sowed seed unto Israel as a light unto all nations. Then He took away and gave to another:

Matthew 21:43: "Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits".

The kingdom will be taken from unbelieving Israel and given to believing Israel

 

[ScottA]

The kingdom will be taken from unbelieving Israel and given to believing Israel

True, but "believing Israel" are those "in Christ", not those of the remaining bloodline that He "finished" with before going on to the gentiles.

 

[soberxp]

Once, I scattered a pile of soil and a handful of seeds on the concrete ground behind the courtyard. After some time, thorns grew from the ground, and they formed a circle like a bird's nest. I felt that the Lord was telling me that I was in such a situation, and I was deeply discouraged at that time.

After some time passed, I went there to check again and saw that the thorns had disappeared, and green grass had grown instead. Among the grass blades, one shoot grew a straight branch that pointed toward the sky at a 90-degree angle.

Later still, a tree grew there.View attachment 72565

I hope that not means cut off....

 

[soberxp]

The Book of Jude
1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;


1:13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

 

[ShineTheLight]

The Parable of the Sower (KJV)

“Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: ‘Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’” (Matthew 13:3–9 NKJV)

Jesus told this parable to show how the message of God’s kingdom is received by different hearts. The seed represents the word of the kingdom, and the soil represents the heart of each person who hears it. When the message is preached, the result depends on how the heart responds.

Some hearts are like the hard road — they hear the word but do not understand it, so the wicked one quickly takes it away. Others are like rocky soil — they receive the word with joy, but their faith has no root. When trouble or persecution comes, they fall away. Some hearts are like ground full of thorns — they hear, but the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word so that it bears no fruit. But the good ground represents those who hear the word, understand it, and keep it. Their faith grows strong, and they bear fruit — some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. The fruit they bear shows that their hearts belong to God and that they truly live by His word.

Though Jesus first spoke this parable to Israel, its meaning is for all people. At first, the gospel of the kingdom was preached in Israel, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham and David. But Jesus made clear that the kingdom would not belong to Israel alone. He said, “Many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11). Later, after His resurrection, He commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19), showing that the same word of the kingdom is for the whole world.

Jesus also said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). So the parable of the sower applies to every heart, whether Jew or Gentile. Anyone who hears, believes, and does the will of God can enter the kingdom. As Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

The message of the parable is simple but eternal: the word of God is like a seed, and the heart is the soil. Those who keep it in faith and live by it will bear good fruit. The kingdom of God is not limited to one nation but open to all who hear the word, believe, obey, and endure to the end. These are the true children of the kingdom who will share in the joy of their Lord forever.

Blessings.

Do you think those who receive seed on good ground are the ones who receive the latter rain spoken about in other passages and chapters?

 

[Doug]

Do you think those who receive seed on good ground are the ones who receive the latter rain spoken about in other passages and chapters?

I dont see any reason to apply the latter rain to this parable. James is exhorting believing Israel to be patient as the coming of the Lord is near.......................[Jas 5:7 KJV] 7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain...............James speaks of having patience in afflictions.................[Jas 5:10 KJV] 10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience........................James is saying they will be happy if they endure...................[Jas 5:11 KJV] 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.............in speaking of afflictions and to endure I think he is exhorting believing Israel to endure til the end of the tribulation and afterwards enter their promised kingdom on earth and reign with Christ a thousand years.....................[Mat 10:22 KJV] 22 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

 

[LoveYeshua]

Do you think those who receive seed on good ground are the ones who receive the latter rain spoken about in other passages and chapters?

Those who have become good soil, hearing the Word, keeping it, and bearing fruit, are the ones spiritually prepared to receive the latter rain. The rain doesn’t change barren or rocky ground; it matures fruitful crops. So, yes, the “good ground” in the parable aligns symbolically with those who will receive the latter rain, since they are already receptive to God’s word and ready for the Spirit’s final work.

Blessings

 

[Doug]

Those who have become good soil, hearing the Word, keeping it, and bearing fruit, are the ones spiritually prepared to receive the latter rain. The rain doesn’t change barren or rocky ground; it matures fruitful crops. So, yes, the “good ground” in the parable aligns symbolically with those who will receive the latter rain, since they are already receptive to God’s word and ready for the Spirit’s final work.

Blessings

What scripture says believers receive the latter rain?

 

[LoveYeshua]

What scripture says believers receive the latter rain?

Doug I am a bit busy today buy will reply this weekend.

Blessings

 

[Doug]

Doug I am a bit busy today buy will reply this weekend.

Blessings

No problem

 

[LoveYeshua]

No problem

Hi Doug, here are the requested verses and I explain further;

The Bible speaks of early rain and latter rain as God’s way of blessing the earth and His people in their proper season. The early rain comes at the beginning of the growing season, softening the ground and helping seeds to sprout. The latter rain comes at the end of the season, nourishing the maturing crops so they can fully grow and be harvested. God gave these rains as a natural provision, but the Scriptures also show they have a spiritual meaning.

Spiritually, the early rain represents the first work of God’s Spirit, awakening hearts, bringing conviction, and starting the growth of faith in those who hear His Word. The latter rain symbolizes the fullness of God’s Spirit, empowering His people to mature in faith, bear fruit, and be ready for the final harvest at the coming of the Lord. This is not just about physical blessing; it is about preparing the heart to receive and multiply the Word of God. Hosea 6:3 says God’s coming to His people is like both the early and latter rain, showing that His Spirit works throughout the life of His followers, from beginning to full maturity.

This idea is reflected in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23). Jesus spoke of a sower who scatters seeds, and the soil represents different hearts. Some seeds fall on the path and are lost, some on rocky ground sprout quickly but wither, some among thorns are choked, and some fall on good soil to yield a plentiful harvest. The early rain is like the initial hearing of the Word, causing the seed to sprout in the heart. The latter rain is like God’s Spirit sustaining and maturing that seed, so it grows strong and produces fruit in varying measures—thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold. Without both rains, the seed cannot reach its full potential.

In the Old Testament, passages such as Deuteronomy 11:13–14, Joel 2:23, and Zechariah 10:1 show that God provides both rains in their season to bless the land. Jeremiah 5:24 and Hosea 6:3 connect this blessing to the hearts of people, showing that God desires obedience and faithfulness so His Spirit can work fully. In the New Testament, James 5:7 uses this agricultural imagery to teach patience, showing that just as a farmer waits for the early and latter rain to bring the harvest, God’s people must wait for His timing, trusting His Spirit to grow and mature their faith.

When we combine these Scriptures, the picture is clear: God’s work in a believer’s life is gradual but complete, starting with the first conviction of the heart (early rain) and ending with full spiritual maturity (latter rain). The Parable of the Sower shows that the seed, God’s Word, needs receptive soil and both rains of the Spirit to produce a harvest. The harvest is the gathering of the faithful at the coming of Christ, when hearts fully yield to God. The series of lessons is simple yet profound: God desires obedience and love, He blesses us in His season, and His Spirit works continually to bring His people to fullness and fruitfulness.

In short, the early and latter rain show us God’s faithful, continuous care, starting the work of salvation in a heart and bringing it to completion. Just as a farmer trusts the rains for a harvest, we trust God’s Spirit to work in us until Christ comes and gathers His people.

Blessings Doug.

 

[Doug]

Hi Doug, here are the requested verses and I explain further;

The Bible speaks of early rain and latter rain as God’s way of blessing the earth and His people in their proper season. The early rain comes at the beginning of the growing season, softening the ground and helping seeds to sprout. The latter rain comes at the end of the season, nourishing the maturing crops so they can fully grow and be harvested. God gave these rains as a natural provision, but the Scriptures also show they have a spiritual meaning.

Spiritually, the early rain represents the first work of God’s Spirit, awakening hearts, bringing conviction, and starting the growth of faith in those who hear His Word. The latter rain symbolizes the fullness of God’s Spirit, empowering His people to mature in faith, bear fruit, and be ready for the final harvest at the coming of the Lord. This is not just about physical blessing; it is about preparing the heart to receive and multiply the Word of God. Hosea 6:3 says God’s coming to His people is like both the early and latter rain, showing that His Spirit works throughout the life of His followers, from beginning to full maturity.

This idea is reflected in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23). Jesus spoke of a sower who scatters seeds, and the soil represents different hearts. Some seeds fall on the path and are lost, some on rocky ground sprout quickly but wither, some among thorns are choked, and some fall on good soil to yield a plentiful harvest. The early rain is like the initial hearing of the Word, causing the seed to sprout in the heart. The latter rain is like God’s Spirit sustaining and maturing that seed, so it grows strong and produces fruit in varying measures—thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold. Without both rains, the seed cannot reach its full potential.

In the Old Testament, passages such as Deuteronomy 11:13–14, Joel 2:23, and Zechariah 10:1 show that God provides both rains in their season to bless the land. Jeremiah 5:24 and Hosea 6:3 connect this blessing to the hearts of people, showing that God desires obedience and faithfulness so His Spirit can work fully. In the New Testament, James 5:7 uses this agricultural imagery to teach patience, showing that just as a farmer waits for the early and latter rain to bring the harvest, God’s people must wait for His timing, trusting His Spirit to grow and mature their faith.

When we combine these Scriptures, the picture is clear: God’s work in a believer’s life is gradual but complete, starting with the first conviction of the heart (early rain) and ending with full spiritual maturity (latter rain). The Parable of the Sower shows that the seed, God’s Word, needs receptive soil and both rains of the Spirit to produce a harvest. The harvest is the gathering of the faithful at the coming of Christ, when hearts fully yield to God. The series of lessons is simple yet profound: God desires obedience and love, He blesses us in His season, and His Spirit works continually to bring His people to fullness and fruitfulness.

In short, the early and latter rain show us God’s faithful, continuous care, starting the work of salvation in a heart and bringing it to completion. Just as a farmer trusts the rains for a harvest, we trust God’s Spirit to work in us until Christ comes and gathers His people.

Blessings Doug.

Thanks for the explanation. I would say that the latter rain application would be limited to Israel as Paul makes no reference to it.

 

[LoveYeshua]

Thanks for the explanation. I would say that the latter rain application would be limited to Israel as Paul makes no reference to it.

Doug you limit everything to Israel alone, nothing new there for you, but I assure you all Jesus said and done is for Israel and gentiles who believe in him it is in scripture and cannot be denied.

Blessings

 

[Doug]

Doug you limit everything to Israel alone, nothing new there for you, but I assure you all Jesus said and done is for Israel and gentiles who believe in him it is in scripture and cannot be denied.

Blessings

Because so much is about Israel. There is neither Jew or Greek in the body of Christ HaHa