Where You are is not Who You Are
Adrian Moreno
Part of Truth Stories—Parables of Jesus
June 12, 2022

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3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Matthew 13:3–9

10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” Matthew 13:10

11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. Matthew 13:11–13

18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Matthew 13:18-23

Discussion Questions

  1. Please read Ezekiel 36:26,27. In what area of your life are you feeling stuck - like who you are today is who you will always be? What did you find encouraging from the sermon that there is hope you can change?
  2. Please read Matthew 13:18-23. As you read Jesus’ explanation of the parable and the soils, where do you see yourself in this parable? Which soil are you right now?
  3. Adrian gave us three practical things to help us when we are asking God to help us change: prayer, pain (allowing pain to form us) and perseverance. Which of these is easiest for you? Where are you struggling with these right now?
  4. Think back to the area where you are feeling stuck. How have you prayed about this? Make a commitment now to pray and ask God to help you move forward. Ask Him for eyes to the grace He richly provides for you.

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