Friday 10 October 2025
"Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!” (vs 7-9)
Background
Do you like stories? Jesus often taught people by telling a story, a parable – which is a story with a lesson attached to it. Today's passage is within a section of Jesus’ parables in this chapter of Matthew's Gospel about the kingdom of God.
The 'kingdom of God' is God’s sovereign rule over all that God has created: it's the result of God’s saving love for all people. As we begin this chapter, Jesus is preparing the people for what he is about to say.
What was Jesus saying in this passage? Who was it for? His message was for the people who were ready to listen to him. He describes different ways of sowing seed, hoping for the grain to grow. It was a subject that was familiar to people; it would attract their attention; and hopefully they would understand it. Jesus says some seed were scattered for the grain to grow where it fell, and the birds ate it. Some were planted well, but there was no depth to the soil; and some fell upon thorns and were choked. But other seeds were planted in ground that had been better prepared and brought forth grain.
The message for the people (and us) is, are they prepared to hear his messages? Did they take thorough notice of what he was teaching them, and pass the message onto others? Are they listening properly – is there any depth to their thinking – and are they ready to hear about the kingdom of God? Jesus makes a play on words with the ears of corn – “Let anyone with ears listen!”
To Ponder:
- There is a saying that if you are too busy to pray, then you are too busy! Do you make time to pray? Are you ready to listen to God?
- Are you open to the word of God through reading these Bible passages? Do you skim through them, or do you think about them and what they mean to you?
Prayer
Sovereign Lord, may your people be ready to listen to the message of Jesus. Help us to have our hearts and minds open to his word. Help us to find the time to listen to you. Speak to us with your words of love, encouragement and comfort, and listen to us as we come to listen to you. May your Holy Spirit inspire and guide us as we receive your word. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Ann Fox
The Revd Fox is Superintendent Minister of Tadcaster Circuit. She is called to serve alongside others and enjoys caring for older people and receiving inspiration from children and young people. She has recently enjoyed being with a group of young people from her circuit at 3Generate, the Methodist event for young people aged 4–18 years.