MESSAGE DETAILS

Continuing through the Parable of the Sower, Tim Miller turns to the seed that falls along the path and what Jesus teaches about the condition of the heart. In Scripture, the heart includes more than our emotions—it also involves the mind and will. Jesus describes people who hear the Word of God but do not truly receive or understand it because of stubbornness, resistance, and an unwillingness to turn to God in repentance. In the parable, the seed represents God’s Word, the path represents the human heart, and the birds represent Satan. When the Word encounters a heart that has become hard and resistant, the seed does not penetrate. The evil one quickly comes and takes away what was sown so that the person will not believe and be saved. The message also looks at biblical examples of hardened hearts and the different forms that resistance to God can take—including stubborn opinions, attachment to wealth or comfort, concern for status, and refusal to listen even when confronted with the truth. As disciples and disciple-makers, this reminds us of the importance of praying for softened hearts—hearts where the Word of God can take root rather than being quickly rejected or stolen away.