What Jesus Did! 'The Thief of Truth' — Matthew 13:18-19

Monday, June 23, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts."
— Matthew 13:18-19 NLT

Key Thought

We would like to think that hearing is just a matter of good communication, but we must remember that Satan is the ultimate deceiver, the father of lies. He does all he can to confuse good communication and rob the word of God of its power by stealing it away from those whose hearts are hard or who are struggling to understand. When communicating the Good News with those who don't understand, we need to pray for softened hearts and for hearts that desire to know Jesus. He will reveal himself to those who earnestly seek after him. On the other hand, we must guard and protect our own hearts to keep the evil one from hardening them and making the word of God irrelevant to us.

Today's Prayer

Holy and loving God, please give me a heart that is soft and a mind that is understanding so that I may not only understand, but also be convicted by your word. I want my life to reflect the character your word is calling for in me. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 3:12-15
  • John 7:16-18
  • John 8:42-47

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 13:18-19 NLT — "Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don't understand it."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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