Jesus Explained The Parable of The Sower
April 26, 2022
Commentary
Jesus explained the parables to those who stayed around after the meeting and really wanted to know the truth. His explanation of the sowing of the seed is compared to giving out the Word of God and the different type of soil is compared to the varying degrees of responses to hearing the Word.
1. The calloused heart (wayside) dominated by Satan and totally unresponsive (v. 15).
2. The shallow heart (stony ground) has no depth of spiritual character (v. 16-17)
3. The stoney heart (among thorns) overwhelmed by allurements (v. 18-19)
(a) “the cares of this world”
(b) “the deceitfulness of riches”
(c) “the lust of other things”
4. The fruitful heart (good ground) productive in proportion to one’s yielding to Christ (v. 20).
This is the parable to end despair. It may seem that much of our effort achieves no result; it may seem that much of our labor is wasted. That is how the disciples were feeling, when they saw Jesus banished from the synagogue and regarded with suspicion. In many places his message seemed to have failed, and they were discouraged and down-hearted. But this parable said to them, and says to us, “Patience! Do your work. Sow the seed. Leave the rest to God. The harvest is sure.”
If we are to benefit by the Christian message the parable says that we must do three things:
- We must hear it.
- We must receive it.
- We must put it into action.
Just remember that part of the seed never grew at all and part of it never grew to maturity, but at the end of the season there was a good harvest. The message is clear – Do your work – Sow the seed – Leave the rest to God – The harvest is sure.
Application
There have been times in my life when I did not follow the clear direction or was overtaken by things. But as long as I stick to studying and obeying His Word there will be a harvest.
Mark 4:10– 20 (NET)
10 When he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. 11 He said to them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those outside, everything is in parables,
12 so that although they look they may look but not see, and although they hear they may hear but not understand, so they may not repent and be forgiven.”
13 He said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? Then how will you understand any parable? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: Whenever they hear, immediately Satan comes and snatches the word that was sown in them. 16 These are the ones sown on rocky ground: As soon as they hear the word, they receive it with joy. 17 But they have no root in themselves and do not endure. Then, when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately they fall away. 18 Others are the ones sown among thorns: They are those who hear the word, 19 but worldly cares, the seductiveness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it produces nothing. 20 But these are the ones sown on good soil: They hear the word and receive it and bear fruit, one thirty times as much, one sixty, and one a hundred.”