The Parable of the Sower

One of the parables Jesus use was the story of the sower and the seed in Matthew 13:3-9.  “And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.  And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.  Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” 

As Jesus explained to his disciples, even those who were opposed to what he was teaching could enjoy listening to the stories, but because they didn’t care about what the stories meant, they would not waste his time arguing with him.  Those who were actually interested in what he was teaching would think about what he meant, and ask questions when they didn’t understand.  Later, he explained the meaning of the parable to those who followed him.   

“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.” (Matthew 13:18-19)

Because they are completely unprepared, many people hear the gospel, but they do not understand why it matters to them, and as a result it makes no impression.  Before long they are distracted by other things and forget about what they heard.  These are those by the wayside, where there has been no effort to set a Christian example or teach God’s word.  It’s like throwing garden seed out on hard dry ground without plowing it.  The birds will probably eat the seed before it gets a chance to grow. 

“But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” (Matthew 13:20-21)

The seed falling among stony places is the person who has a partial understanding of the promises and is excited by the promises.  He is eager to avoid going to hell, to overcome alcohol or drug addiction, to get out of prison, or to date a pretty girl, and eagerly makes a profession of faith.  For a while they may seem really excited about being a Christian and be very active in the church, but they turn away when problems arise, because they have not received the Holy Spirit, and have nothing to hold them.  They were not fully prepared to make a commitment to Christ before making a profession, and are not truly saved, as Romans 8:9 tells us.   “…Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” 

“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)

The seed falling among thorns represents the person who has been taught enough to fully understand what believing in Christ means and makes a sincere commitment to Christ.  Unfortunately, because he has not been taught how to live by faith, walking in the Spirit, he gets tangled up in making a living and does not live for Christ, even though he never turns completely away.  They are like a garden which has never been much of an effort to control the weeds, and they take away all the nutrients the crops need. 

“But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:28)

When the gospel has been carefully presented, making sure people thoroughly understand why they need to be saved and What Christ has done, people will make sincere commitments to Christ, and if they are them taught how to live for Christ, they will produce fruit, causing others to turn to Christ, even though not all will produce the same amount.  This Parable illustrates the importance of fulfilling all the great commission of Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” 

It is not enough to stand on the street corner preaching the gospel. We need to make sure they actually understand that God loved them and made a way for them to be saved.  They need to understand that it is only possible because Jesus Christ paid the price for their sins, and that the Holy Spirit makes the necessary changes in their heart attitude.   Until that happens, baptism is meaningless.  Once their salvation is assured, we must teach them how to please God in their daily life, so that they can be fruitful for him.