St. Paul's Des Peres Bible Study from KFUO Radio

Matthew 13:1-43

·54 min·5 clips

A retired Lutheran pastor is interrupted by Jehovah's Witnesses asking if he wants a Bible study while he's preparing one on Matthew 13.

This episode is a Bible study from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, hosted by Rev. Dr. David Smith, focusing on Matthew chapter 13. The host opens with a prayer and recalls how Pastor Smith introduced parables the previous week, noting their simplicity and deeper spiritual meanings. He shares an anecdote about being interrupted by Jehovah's Witnesses while studying, which ironically ties into the theme of the kingdom of God. The study delves into the parable of the sower, with the host explaining the context of rising opposition from Pharisees in Matthew 12. He describes the sower broadcasting seed, with modern analogies about farming costs, such as $400 per acre and over $2 million for 5,400 acres. Jesus' interpretation from Matthew 13:18-23 is detailed, covering the four types of soil: path (Satan snatches), rocky ground (shallow faith falls away), thorns (worldly cares choke), and good soil (bears fruit). The host discusses why Jesus taught in parables, citing Matthew 13:10-17 and Isaiah 6, to conceal truth from some and reveal it to others, addressing questions about predestination. He emphasizes that the disciples are blessed to see the kingdom's fulfillment. The study then introduces the parable of the weeds from Matthew 13:24-30, explaining the enemy sowing bearded darnel and the farmer's decision to wait until harvest. Jesus' explanation from verses 36-43 is previewed, identifying the sower as Jesus, the field as the world, and the harvest as the end times. The episode ends with a benediction, noting that the explanation will continue next week. Throughout, the tone is educational, with interactive moments for questions.

As heard by us

A steady Matthew 13 study follows the kingdom's generous seed through resistance, shallow faith, distraction, and fruitfulness.

Matthew 13 is treated as a close study of how the word of the kingdom is received, resisted, welcomed, and tested. The class stays with Jesus' explanation of the sower, where seed is scattered generously and the path, rocky ground, thorns, and good soil reveal why responses…

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Why you'd press play

You want Matthew 13 explained plainly, with the sower's seed followed from hearing to fruit.

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