Parable of the Sower
He scatters seed everywhere. The hard ground, where birds snatch it up. Among rocks where it can’t take root. Where thorns will spring up and strangle it. And some, where it will grow.
He’s careless, it seems, not careful; not saving his grain for straight rows in turned-up soil.
“A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. Other seeds fell among thorns. Some fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop. (Matthew 13:1–8, NLT)
We misunderstand the Farmer. We misappraise the field. We misjudge both seeds and soil. We haven’t the faith of the Farmer.
Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. (Matthew 13:9, NLT)
Jesus freely shared “The Parable of the Sower” with the multitudes, but only to those who asked, He explained:
“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.
The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.
The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Matthew 13:18–23, NLT)
A prudent farmer would be more discriminating with His assets, but this is a farmer like none other. Every seed from His hand has potential. Every seed, however scattered, bears life.
The seed and its settling are as the Kingdom’s message and the human heart colliding. The message is always good news, but its hearing doesn’t guarantee a harvest.
Not this season.
The Farmer doesn’t forget the seeds that fall on hard ground. He doesn’t abandon the plants that fail in rocky soil. He doesn’t discount the plant among the thorns. He watches over them, waiting for a more fruitful time.
Seeds on hard ground. When the message of the Kingdom falls on hearts prepared, few will reject the good news. But hardened hearts don’t understand it; can’t believe it; won’t receive it. In a world of pain, it’s hard to comprehend any news as good news. In a world of deceit, it’s hard to recognize truth.
Yet the Farmer’s seeds can survive the enemy’s devouring, to be planted again in softer soil.
It’s all by design of the Farmer.
Those who hear the message and receive it are like seeds that germinate and begin to grow. But harvest time may be seasons away.
Plants in shallow soil. A hungry heart in the midst of a troubled life will be quick to reach toward the light. Yet, intent on growing, it has no concern for grounding. With persecution and problems as scorching heat, a lack of depth becomes apparent. With little hope as an anchor, faith fails, and it withers.
Plants in thorny ground. A life crowded with commitments and preoccupied with wealth is like a plant that is choked by thorns. Worries persist; lust overtakes. That heart receives the word of God but is smothered by lesser concerns.
Plants in good soil. A heart that embraces the message of the Kingdom and grows to yield the same is like a seed nestled in the soil prepared for it: broken by the plow, soaking up water in storms, enriched by past years’ death. The seed sprouts, its roots go down, it reveals itself, and yields its fruit. The heart with a harvest recognizes seasons — times for resting, times to grow, and times to yield life for others.
One plot of soil in the middle of much ground. Without the faith of the Farmer, it might seem there is little to show.
But the Farmer is patient, unconcerned. His seed is good seed. His life is eternal; His word, never failing. The message of the Kingdom endures; it will have its field.
Let him who has ears to hear stay close to the Sower. Listen and understand.
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