(Matthew 13:1-53, Luke 8:4-18)
Obviously, the passage before us now is the parable of the sower but more importantly our focus in this, is about our need to pay attention to how we hear and grow with the word of God. By how we hear, we mean:
1) if Jesus is talking to us in parable, or
2) in plain instruction
If
3) I’m listening to hear and yield appropriately (Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus in John 3), or
4) I’m hearing because I have to as “compelled” by present (prevailing) situation. In this case, my first intention remains my resolution regardless of further consideration (John 6:52, 60, 66-70)
5) When I hear from Jesus will I give the truth I hear from Him chance to grow into my live as the root does in a good soil?
6) are we restricting or confining it to certain areas it must not go beyond in our lives as the rock and hard soil will restrict the roots?
7) are we taking heed to how we grow with the word of Jesus our Lord in the presence of oppositions and worldly cares?
8) are we desiring to follow Jesus as his disciples, or
9) we would rather be spectators/ multitudes (who choose to see him but not follow him)?
Jesus would speak in parable to the multitude but would give a plain understanding to the disciples as they seek for deeper meaning. Is there any form of discrimination in this? No! The same thing the multitude heard in parable and they leave because they are satisfied is the same thing the would-be disciple hears but is not satisfied but desires to know more and stays with the Lord to know more and more.
Matthew 13: 36  Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
Some of what practically distinguish the multitude from the disciples are
1) multitude would come together, gather together and again they will also leave together. Disciples will always stay for more teachings after the multitude leave and be devoted to it.
2) multitude will only turn up in corporate worship but the disciples do more and gain more from private worship.
3) multitude may not care to understand anything other than their own purpose of gathering but disciples come to know and understand whatever the Master have to tell them.
4) multitude only enjoy from the master for a short while but the disciples remain longer in master’s tender care.
5) the Lord knows the multitude from afar of but knows his disciples as His very own ( life).
Luke 8
verse 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand
This means to those who see the Lord and desire to know him more by staying with Him it is given to know His kingdom and its mysteries.To those who do not desire to seek Him He will speak in parable so that they will hear it and there will be a witness against them that they heard it. It will be left to them to them seek to know and understand the meaning of what they heard (in parable). As the disciples desired to know and understand they sought it by going privately to Jesus and asking for the meaning of the parable. It is just ( for witnessing sake) for Jesus to speak to all in parable and it is rewarding for the hearer to seek Him for the meaning. Those are the sons to whom the mysteries of the kingdom of God will be shown to. I pray that the Lord will release more grace on us to seek Him beyond (the life of) parable; to know and understand the mystery in Him which was reserved for those who seek Him.
Matthew 13:18  Hear you therefore the parable of the sower
19  When any one hears the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the way side.
20  But he that received the seed in stony places, the same is he that hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it
21  Yet has he not root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he is offended.
22  He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
23  But he that received seed in the good ground is he that hears the word, and understands it; who also bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Do not only hear someone preach or talk about Jesus but go to your private place open your Bible invite the Holy Spirit to teach you and mediate further on this word.
Do not be satisfied with only church Sunday-to-Sunday sermon, reading of Psalms for victory or fellowship Bible study but go aside and be alone with your Bible pray and read about Jesus’ life, read about the walk of faith and pray them into your lifestyle. Then you will grow with the truth and be different from the multitude, making you a faithful disciples.
These are the the kind of people who being preached to will not say I have heard enough. They hear it, digest it, ruminate on it, swallow it and water it down. And patiently look out for changes in their lives which must grow and radiate the gospel they have heard and received. They wait patiently; every little spiritual growth they notice, they give the glory to God but for where changes is yet to surface they nurture, weed and monitor the seed of the gospel with diligence, until it grows and becomes fruitful in them. To them the creator sends blessings for the journey; grace to endure, blessings to flourish with just as they have given their live to God’s word.

Prayer Points
1) Cry to Jesus for personal encounter and revelation of Himself to you, for Him to be fully formed in you.
2) Lord, remove dullness of ear and hardness of the heart from me (Matthew 13:15).
3) I receive the grace to seek Jesus beyond the multitude and parables in Jesus name.
4) Holy Spirit help me not to restrict or prevent Your word of truth from growing into all areas of my live in Jesus name,
5) Father help me to grow in Your word of truth, bearing abundant and enduring fruits, in Jesus name (Matthew 13:23).