Matthew 13
The parable of the sower is so familiar it is frightening to study it.
So let's just note the repetition of the verb 'listen'. Again and again that word appears.
I invite you to listen to the text, read it a few times, read it out loud. What do you hear? What stands out?
It is also interesting to note that the soil doesn't change, what changes are the circumstances around the soil: fast hungry birds, stones, weeds, deep soil.
Then there is the word 'understand'. Take a note of its use in this parable. What role does understanding have in your faith?
I wonder how the crowd that stood and listened heard these words the first time. Was it all very obvious or did they self identify with one of the situations?
Don't read this text quickly
Bless you
Stu