Read Luke 8.
When Jesus taught in public, there was a mix of listeners. Some were devoted followers. Some were seeking to understand. Some were hoping to see a miracle. Some were angry critics. Therefore, He would often use earthly stories to communicate spiritual truths. Not everyone understood the meaning of what He said. This was predicted in Isaiah 6:9, the verse that Jesus quoted in Luke 8:10.
The parables raised the curiosity of the disciples to ask the meaning. That was when the mentoring took place. Jesus explained step by step so His followers fully understood. He called it "the secrets of the kingdom of God" (v.10) or as we may say, “Here is how this works.”
What are the secrets and how is it that some understand and others do not? This is fully revealed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. People do not comprehend spiritual truth by natural means--sight, sound, reasoning. To understand God's word requires the Holy Spirit revealing and confirming the truth. When one commits their life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit immediately takes up His residence within them and helps them understand.
1 Corinthians 2:9 is one of the most misused verses in all the Bible. Too many people stop mid-sentence and miss what Paul was saying in verse 10. "'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'--these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit." In other words, we who have the Holy Spirit, can know "the secrets of the kingdom of God."
In the parable, Jesus clearly stated that "the seed is the word of God" (v.11). Only by communicating God's word is it possible for people become what God wants them to be. Sometimes, in efforts to reach others and gain a hearing, this basic necessity may be lost. The seed that will bear fruit is not--
my relationship building
my style of music
my community service
my commitment to excellence
my leadership skills
my superior intellect and debate skills
my speaking skills
or anything else.
The only seed that has the hope of eternally changing a life is the word of God.
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