Jesus boards a boat on the Sea of Galilee to begin His third great discourse in the Gospel according to St. Matthew. As He speaks to the crowds in parables, He uses stories from everyday life to teach how God is reigning as King. The story of the sower includes the unusual detail that this sower casts his seed even in unfruitful places. Through the parable, Jesus reveals to His disciples various ways that the Word of God is heard and encourages them to proclaim that Word persistently.

Rev. Jared Nies, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.

To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran, visit stpaul-lapeer.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org