This set of parables in chapter 13 presents a further development of the teaching about the kingdom from that found in the sermon on the mount (Mt 5-7). The sermon gave the requirements of personal belonging; these parables reveal the inner dynamic of the kingdom itself.

In this reading, Jesus alludes to common — but not very efficient — farming practices to show the power of the seed (= kingdom of God) to bring forth an abundant harvest in spite of the blindness of the learned and the worldly (v 4), the superficial enthusiasm of the crowds (vv 5-6), and the misgivings of his relatives and some disciples (v 7). The tone of the parable is optimistic — obstacles beset the sowing, but the harvest will be abundant nevertheless.

The question and answer about the purpose of the parables (vv 10-17) should be seen as emphasizing the gift of understanding given the disciples, in contrast to the indifference and incomprehension of others. Jesus’ mission is not an overwhelming success in human terms, but in the light of the final judgment, those who do receive his word are blessed because they form the kingdom. The quotation from Is 6:9-10, which is associated with Isaiah’s call to be a prophet, gives a word of encouragement to be strong in proclaiming the message even in the face of inevitable unpopularity. It should be understood that God does not so much cause their hearts to harden, but rather that his kingdom will be established even in spite of their rejection.

The interpretation of the parable (vv 18-23) seems to be a later addition, arising from the early experience of the Spirit-filled community of Christians. The main point of the interpretation is not the sower and the harvest, as in the parable itself, but the way the seed is received, as reflecting various motives for conversion. In the interpretation, the seed is the proclaimed word rather than the kingdom itself.

"Second Isaiah" (chapters 40-55) is very much concerned to show the power and love of the one God, Yahweh, in contrast to the dualism (a god of good and a god of evil) and polytheism (many gods) of the other nations. This he shows that even setbacks and apparent evils in history have been for the good and development of his people. This brief passage sums up God’s power: his word works infallibly even when human obstacles seem to frustrate it.

This very earthy psalm presents material abundance as a motive for praise and thanksgiving to God the Creator. Water, in all its manifestations, destructive as well as life-giving and cleansing, is a powerful symbol of God’s word. Response: "The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest."

After speaking of the way of salvation, Paul now considers the problem of suffering: "If we have been reconciled as children of God, how can suffering and failure still affect us?" Paul’s response is that we cannot do away with the limitations creation imposes on us. But ultimately, in Christ, we will rise above them. As children of God, we possess the Spirit as the beginnings, or "down payment," of this ultimate liberation, and the source of hope.

1. How do you understand parables? What do you feel parables can teach you? How do they do this?

2. What is meant by "the Spirit as first fruits" in Romans?