Introduction 

1. Where are we in Matthew’s gospel?
2. Jesus speaks to the crowds … in parables.
3. ⁠What are parables?

   “Jesus’ parables are stories with intent… The question is, ‘What was Jesus doing with this story?’ Parables are chisels to create space and enable people to see the in-breaking of the kingdom in a first-century world.” – Dr Klyne Snodgras

    

A. ISAIAH’S STRANGE COMMISSION

1. Three panels in Matthew 13:1-23.
2. Jesus quotes Isaiah 6:9-10 in Matthew 13:14-15.
3. What does hearing without understanding, and seeing without perceiving, have to do with Jesus’ ministry?

    

B. THE PARABLE OF THE FOUR SOILS

1. Actually there are only two types of soil.
2. Each soil reveals the condition of the heart to receive and perceive the Kingdom of God.
3. Three soil problems: poor reception, poor conviction, poor traction
   
   
   

Conclusion 
1. What is Jesus’ desire, really?
2. The path to true fruitfulness — be the good soil!

“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 13:23

Sunday Worship Songs at cefc.ch/sws
Next Sunday’s Topic: Matthew 13:24-43
Next Sunday’s Speaker(s): Rev Dr Sharon Fong (BPJ) & Rev Matthew Lo (WDL); No service at Suntec