Jesus often used parables to teach lessons to the crowds. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, & Luke, we read the Parable of the Sower. Here Jesus explains that when sower went out into the fields to sow his seeds, the seeds fell in 1 of 4 ways (Mark 4:3-8):
- Along the path
- On rocky soil
- Among the Thorns
- On good soil
In this parable, The sower is God, the seed is His word, and the 4 locations are the 4 ways people receive His word. Jesus goes on to explain the meaning of these locations for the seed to grow.
The sower sows the word. These are the ones along the path where the word is sown: when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, immediately they receive it with joy. But they have no root in themselves; they are short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately stumble. Others are sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries of this age, the seduction of wealth, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But the ones sown on good ground are those who hear the word, welcome it, and produce a crop: 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown.” – Mark 4:15-30
The seeds that land along the path refer to the people who hear the Word and of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, yet have no desire to truly believe and follow Christ. Satan quickly causes them to turn away from the Word.
Some seeds will fall on rocky ground. A seed sown on rocky soil will flourish for a time, but will be destroyed shortly because of the lack of roots. Some people receive God’s Word in this way. Immediately they are filled with joy and love for Christ, but their fait has no root. When the pressures of the world beat down on them, they immediately stumble and fall.
Seeds that land among the thorns will quickly grown, but the choked out by the thorns. These people receive God’s Word and quickly grow to follow Him. However they do not turn from their worldly view. They are still consumed by desires of the flesh and society. They focus on riches, social status, and power, rather then trusting God to provide all they need.
There are a lot of people who fit into all three of these categories. We have all seen people who call themselves Christians, yet their actions do not show a love for the Lord. Maybe these people don’t realize their mistakes, maybe they are struggling to improve. We don’t know their situation and it is not up to us to judge or condemn! We are here to be the seeds that land on good soil.
The seeds that land on good soil receive the Word, accept it, trust it, and grow to produce a crop for God’s Kingdom. It is not enough for us to go to Church and say you’re a Christian. Even if you have prayed and truly accepted Christ and believe in Him, your work is not done. We need to receive the seed (His Holy Word) on the good soil (our accepting and trusting spirit), then produce a crop (grow closer to Him and go out to make disciples). We are all called to be Followers of Christ, to follow Him and do His work daily. Life is not easy. Being a Christian and a un-religious society isn’t always easy, but if we truly Trust in the Lord, he will guide and protect us.
When the the sun beats down (pressure of life) or the thorns grow (worldly desires), how will you react. Will you wither away and die (eternal life in Hell), or are you ready to grow a crop, produce a crop, and strengthen His Kingdom?