2009-10-11
The Parables of Jesus - Fruit Producing Soil and a Great Treasure
Steve Lane

A. Introduction/Review
Stories that Jesus told to make a point. Deeper than just an intellectual level.
Four parables of warning following the Sermon on the Mount (Beatitudes)
The faith that says, but does not really do, is actually unbelief.
A sower went out to sow. (Matthew 13: 3)
There is a power in the seed, and we must be sowing.
There is also expectation of a harvest. He is sowing to get a crop.
'God put eternity in our hearts.' We know there is more -- a yearning.
Allow your heart to be softened by the very Words of Jesus.

B. Fruit-Producing Soil

Matthew 13: 1 - 9
How the truth Jesus is revealing will be spread, and what response may be expected.
The seed produces new life. (James 1: 21 1 Peter 1: 23 Colossians 1: 5 - 6)
The message of John the Baptist and Jesus, early in His ministry, was, 'repent and believe.'
The first response to the gospel is when the seed lands on the hard ground of the path.
Those who don't understand... why wouldn't someone understand the simple gospel?

Two things listed as the barrier in the first example to this good news of the gospel:
They didn't understand/distracted by the enemy
The hard heart of the person that is hearing the gospel

Then, there is the seed that fell on the rocky soil and sprang up quickly.
And then, the ones that the thorns choked out.
Next is the seed that produces a crop -- a good crop, but not outside of expectations.
Fruit is a powerful term and can mean different things. Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5: 22
Fruit always comes not by the effort of the branch, but the sap or life in the branch.

C. The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

Matthew 13: 44 - 46
In Luke 14: 33 Jesus said, "In the same way anyone who does not give up everything..."
We know from the gospels and the rest of the New Testament that salvation cannot be earned.
Ephesians 2: 8: For it is by grace that we have been saved, through faith...
What is before them is of such incredible value and joy that whatever barrier...
Have they really found the treasure?

What is your treasure?