Matthew 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

When we do not understand a teacher, we ask for an explanation. Often when that teacher gives a more detail explanation of the lesson and we understand, we reply “I see.” While the expression is not literal in the sense of vision it does communicate our understanding.

Today’s opening verse is the ending of the parable of the sower. This parable is so important that Jesus explains the parable so that we might see its meaning. It is that important.

Matthew 13:23a But he that received seed (the gospel) into the good ground (your heart) is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it;

I want you to concentrate upon the understanding here. Receiving the gospel message into your heart with understanding is virtually learning your first Word in the language of faith. It is not received thru the ears and translated by the mind. It is received into your heart and translated by faith.

All learned language begins with one word of utterance. A baby that says “Daddy” or “Momma” is taught to speak what it hears, perhaps even before there is an understanding in context, that this man is daddy or this woman is momma.

Hearing this first word of faith with understanding works in the same way but in the changed heart.

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Ever heard the term stone deaf? The stony heart is stone deaf. This new heart hears this faith language. How do we translate this faith language into our native tongue? This is where the Holy Spirit comes into play.

John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.