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The parable of the sower

From a boat beside the sea, Jesus told of seed falling on the path, rocky ground, among thorns, and on good soil. He explained that the seed is the word, received differently by those who hear it (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:14).

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📖 Matthew 13:1–3

1That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. 2Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while all the people stood on the shore. 3And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed.

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Connections

Explicit fulfillment

Hearing without understanding

Jesus said that Isaiah's words about people hearing without understanding were fulfilled among those who saw and heard but did not perceive.

Isaiah 6:9–10

And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

Isaiah 6:9-10 describes people who hear without understanding and see without perceiving; Matthew 13:14-15 quotes the passage after Jesus says that this is why He speaks to the crowds in parables.

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Sources: Scripture — Matthew 13:1-23 · Mark 4:1-20
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