AP

One Seed, Four Soils

The Parables of Jesus

– James Jeffery

““Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow” (Mark 4:3).

The two most important things in farming are seeds and soil. Seeds determine the sort of plants one should expect. Soil needs to be of a good quality, otherwise the seeds will go to waste. Both are critical to a good harvest.

If you throw seeds onto good soil, you should expect a rich crop (assuming you get a good shower of rain!). However, if you throw seeds onto stony ground, you should not expect much growth. Regardless of how much rain there is, the plant will not survive long.  

What is true of farming is also true of the spiritual world. The same seed of the gospel (the good news of Jesus) can be told to various people, though not everyone will receive it and bear fruit for God.

Context

In Mark 4:1, we read that Jesus was teaching a large crowd of people. In fact, the crowd was so great that he got into a boat to communicate with the multitude assembled on the beach.

No doubt, one of Jesus’ desires was to help the crowds examine themselves to see why they were there. In other words, He wanted them to discern whether they were there for the show, or there to know Him.

To help them with this, Jesus taught the Parable of the Sower. In a nutshell, a sower (farmer) sows seed upon four different soils that all respond in different ways.

As you think about the different soils, the question Jesus wants you to think about is this:

“What kind of soil am I?”

1. Seed on the Path

As the sower was sowing, some seeds fell upon the path. However, the seeds were quickly devoured by birds who swooped down and pecked the seeds up.

This refers to people who hear about Jesus, though quickly dismiss Him. The birds are a metaphor for Satan, who quickly snatches Jesus away from them.

They hardly have the chance to enjoy the good news before it is taken out of their very hands. Maybe you can relate to this.

2.         Seed on Rocky Ground

Second, the sower casts seed upon rocky ground. The rocky ground refers to a thin layer of soil with stone underneath. Because the soil is shallow, the plant has no room to expand its roots. 

This refers to people who hear about Jesus and are excited. However, their joy is shallow and superficial, and doesn’t last.

Maybe you can relate to this. You heard about Jesus when you were young. You were thrilled. However, following a life of disappointments, now you are cynical towards anything to do with Jesus.

3.         Seed Amongst Thorns

Third, the sower throws some seed among thorns. The seed germinates, grows up, and looks promising! However, the surrounding thorns choke the plant to death, and it ceases to grow.

This refers to people who appear to become Christians, show some sign of fruit, though ultimately perish. They are taken captive by the things of this world and stray after them instead of Christ.

Maybe you can remember a time when you were passionate about Jesus, though the cares of this world began to entangle you.

Maybe it was marrying a non-Christian spouse, or a career that got you working on Sundays, or a preoccupation with holidays and recreation.

4.         Seed on Good Soil

Finally, the sower cast seed upon good soil. The seeds germinated, grew, and continued growing! Eventually, the plant bore fruit, producing hundreds of fruits. These fruits dropped seeds, creating more trees, which produced more fruit!

This refers to those who hear the gospel, receive it by faith, and trust in the promises of God. If you are a Christian, this good soil refers to you.

Which Soil Are You?

Do you relate to the path, or the rocky ground? The thorny ground, or the good soil?

Regardless of how you have lived your life, it is not too late to receive the seed of the gospel. Do not allow bitterness and cynicism hold you back from Jesus. He is a gentle and gracious God who forgives all those who come to Him in faith.

Left to ourselves, all of us are bad soil. However, just as a plough can crumble the hardest ground, only the Holy Spirit can soften the hardest hearts.

If you come to Jesus, He will transform your life and cause you to bear much fruit.

Closing Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank You for graciously planting the gospel in our lives. Jesus Christ, we praise You for the salvation offered through Your name. Holy Spirit, soften our hearts, and give us faith to receive the gospel.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.