Matthew 13:20-21

Matthew 13:20-21

[20] But  he that received the seed  into  stony places,  the same  he that heareth  the word,  and  with  joy  receiveth  it;  [21] Yet  hath he  not  root  in  himself,  but  for a while:  for  when tribulation  or  persecution  ariseth  because  of the word,  he is offended. 

What does Matthew 13:20-21 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The second type of soil stands for those whose initial response to the message Jesus preached was enthusiastic reception. This reception gave hope for much fruit to follow. However external pressures inhibit growth, and because they do not have an adequate rooting in the truth they soon fade and wither (cf. Matthew 5:29). These people are disciples who begin well but fail to continue to follow the Lord faithfully. Whether they are saved or lost is beside the point. However some expositors have restricted the meaning to either saved or lost disciples. [1]
"It is important to understand the explanation of the parable of the soils in its context and with the purpose of the original parable particularly in mind. The key issue is responsiveness or non-responsiveness to the message of the kingdom." [2]