Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:1-23. Jesus’ parables both reveal and hide. Those who do not believe may understand the surface words or story of the parables, but their true meaning concerning the Kingdom of God remains confusing. Those who do believe, however, are given further to rejoice in God’s reign in Jesus. This demonstrates God’s grace and election for salvation. The disciples are particularly blessed in this, as their own eyes and ears see and hear the Word made flesh; the same remains true for the Church today in the gift of the Gospel. Jesus’ first parable describes what is happening at the moment. He is sowing the seed of His Word to all who come to Him because He desires that all would be saved. The reality, however, is that some will not believe. The devil snatches away the Word from some, scoffers and skeptics who pay no attention to the Word. The sinful flesh attacks and leads some to fall away due to hatre