Ordinary pictures that hide the kingdom from some and open it to others.
Built on Matthew 13:10-13. The disciples ask why Jesus speaks in parables, and He answers that the parables reveal truth to those given ears to hear and conceal it from those who will not see.
Seven days on one page. Every week's board and its full study are free to read, with no account needed, including the weeks already behind us. Each week the study changes and the shape of the week stays the same, so you always know where you are.
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Day 1
The Soils and the Seed
Today's verse
Loading Mark 4:20…
Today's focus
The sower scatters the same seed everywhere: on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil. The seed does not change; what changes is the ground it lands on, and Jesus explains that the ground pictures how a hearer receives the word.
Three of the four soils fail, for different reasons: the birds take the seed, the sun scorches it, the thorns choke it. Only the good ground bears fruit, and even then in varying amounts. The parable is honest about how often the word does not take root.
Today's reminder
The word sown is the same regardless of the hearer's response.
Failure to bear fruit has identifiable causes worth examining honestly.
Fruit varies in amount even among good soil.
Today's prayer
Lord, examine the ground of my own heart. Where the word has been snatched away, scorched, or choked, break up that soil, and let Your word take root and bear fruit in me. Amen.