Seeing and hearing but oblivious to Christ!

“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.” Matthew 13:13

This parable of Jesus has three teaching components. You might find it helpful to read all of the text.

Jesus begins with a story about the sower and the seed. Then Jesus explains why He speaks in parables, and He concludes with an interpretation of the parable.

As a believer, you and I have received the seed by faith and are responsible to spread the seed.

The most important question to ask ourselves is “Are we hearing and understanding the message of Christ?” This is where many fail God.

You come to understand the seed by the wisdom and the teaching of the Holy Spirit. This requires you to listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His guidance.

The seed living in you will not grow without water and good soil. You nourish the seed through the Word of God, prayer, and obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Jesus answers the question as to why He speaks in parables in this text.

He explains most people cannot see or hear the truths of God. This is because they try to interpret God through fleshly capabilities. And, you cannot discover God looking through worldly eyes or human intellect.

Jesus explains the knowledge of the kingdom of God is given to a true disciple of Christ. This person has chosen to live for Christ.

Jesus also teaches if you have the knowledge of Christ you will be given more. If you do not have the knowledge of Christ, what you have will be taken away.

Now let’s look at the examples of the four people in this parable who heard the word of God.

There is the person who hears the word of God but cannot understand it because his ears are not open the truths of God. Satan has stolen the seed from him. He is blinded to God.

Then there is the person who hears the word of God and accepts it with joy. But this person does not nourish the seed. The roots live in shallow ground and disappear when the troubles of life come upon him. His faith weakens and he deals with life from a perspective of self.

Next is the person who hears the word of God but cannot except it because he is preoccupied with wealth and dealing with the worries of life. The weeds choke out the seed and it disappears.

Finally, there is the person who hears the word, accepts it by faith, and understands the message of Christ. This person has made a genuine commitment to Christ and worships Him in Spirit and Truth.

This disciple will be a powerful witness for Christ and sow many seeds producing a robust crop.

He who has ears let him listen to the voice of Christ!