What Kind of Soil Are You? | Pastor Krist Norsworthy | Nov. 2, 2025

Kingdom Secrets: Jesus’ Parables in Matthew 13The Parable of the Sower: What Kind of Soil Are You? Matthew 13:1–23I. Introduction – The Question Jesus Asks• Jesus used parables to reveal who truly belonged to the Kingdom.• Every person responds to God’s Word differently.• What kind of soil am I?II. The Setting (vv. 1–3a)• Jesus teaches from a boat as crowds gather on the shore.• Parable = “to throw alongside” – a story revealing a spiritual truth.• The same Word softens some and hardens others.• Ask: Am I listening to understand and obey, or merely to hear?III. The Purpose of Parables (vv. 10–17)• Disciples ask, “Why speak in parables?”• Jesus answers: “To you it has been given to know the mysteries…” • Parables reveal or conceal truth depending on the listener’s heart.• Isaiah 6: Some see but don’t perceive; some hear but don’t understand.IV. The Sower and the Seed (vv. 3b–9)• The sower = Christ (and all who share the Word).• The seed = message of the Kingdom.• The soils = conditions of the human heart.• Your task is to sow faithfully; results belong to God.• Success is measured by faithfulness, not visible fruit.V. The Four Soils (vv. 18–23)1. The Hard Path – Unreceptive Hearto Truth doesn’t penetrate; Satan snatches it away.o What hardens your heart: pride, bitterness, apathy?2. The Rocky Ground – Shallow Hearto Quick joy, no depth; fades under hardship.o Do I want comfort more than character?3. The Thorny Soil – Divided Hearto Faith choked by worries, riches, and worldly desires.o The person who wants Jesus and the world at the same time. 4. The Good Soil – Receptive Hearto Hears, understands, and bears fruit – 30, 60, 100-fold.o The Spirit makes the heart good; fruit is evidence of grace.VI. The Secret of Fruitfulness (Phil. 2:12-13)• God works in us; we work out what He has planted.• Use the means of grace – Scripture, prayer, fellowship, worship – to nourish your soil.• Don’t seek new soil: tend the one God gave you.VII. Conclusion – “He Who Has Ears, Let Him Hear” (v. 9)• Hearing should lead to obedience; obedience leads to fruit.• The difference isn’t in the seed: it’s in the soil.• Call to Action:o Sow the Word faithfully.o Trust God with the harvest.o Nurture your heart through repentance and faith.o Question to leave with: What kind of soil am I?