Introduction
Have you ever watched a plant grow? No, you can’t just sit in the dirt and
watch a plant, day after day,struggle to the surface and reach toward the
sun. Who has time for that? Each seed planted needs a combination
of sun, water, and good soil. If any of this criteria is not met, the
plant will struggle to become exactly what it is meant to be.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus tells us a story. Yes, it’s good
farming sense, and you can use that as your takeaway. Anyone
who wants to become a farmer needs to learn how to spread seed
in a field. But there is more to what Christ says in this seemingly
simply parable. In fact, Christ has much to say about how we may
or my not receive the Word of God. He paints a remarkable picture
of how we are a broken people and how we receive the Word
of God in four different ways.
As always, Christ has deeper truths for us.
First off:
What is a parable?
Webster’s Dictionary defines a parable as follows:
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.
In Greek, the literal definition is a little different: A comparison, illustration or an analogy. It is
a short tale that illustrates a universal truth. It always has a main point or principle.
Why would Jesus teach in Parables?
Why didn’t Jesus simply state the truth in BOLD TYPE, in no uncertain terms?
There are a few reasons for this.
1. SOCIAL CONSTRAINTS: If you have read any of Luke’s account of Jesus’ ministry, you’ll
know that the Pharisees (the ruling Jewish religious class of the era) was watching Jesus very
closely. Jesus had already proclaimed himself God and was performing miracles all over
Capernum and other spots in Israel and the Pharisees had come out, in force, to analyze his
teaching. Yes, they were looking for holes in Jesus’ theology in order to undercut his divine
nature. From the Pharisitical point of view, this is important. Jesus has developed a following,
a large following, and Pharisees, to an extent, are concerned about their power slipping away.
Soto discredit Jesus is their mission, despite the miracles they’ve seen.
So in this context, Jesus is under a microscope. Why incite the powers of the time? He speaks
in stories as not to incite the Pharisees and create chaos wherever he goes.
2. THE MESSAGE: The parables are taught as simple stories. Some people will go away with
the surface message. Some may ponder the message for a time, looking for some greater meaning.
Other will pray, study and yearn for the deeper meaning. Parables are meant for those
people. For the person who yearns for the deeper meaning will find it, and discover the true
intent of the parable.
Parable of the Sower
LUKE 8:1-15
1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good
news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured
of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna
the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were
helping to support them out of their own means.
VERSE 1
We have to understand first what the Good news of Jesus Christ is. Christ, after
all, is putting his life on the line preaching something that is in opposition to the
Pharisitical law (the legalistic approach to obeying God). There is a progression that
all men have fallen into (sin) and, in turn, a way out of the punishment (hell) that
we all deserve. It is found in faith in Jesus Christ. Below is scripture to support the
process on sin and redemption:
First, Jesus is preaching a radically different approach to salvation. The Pharisitical
approach is one of strict behavior modification and works that aim to acquire salvation
through deeds, or works. Jesus teaches that it is through faith alone that allows
salvation.
Forgiveness of sin for all who believe (Rom 10:19)
We are all sinners and all fall short of salvation:
Man’s initial sin has put all mankind under condemnation of sin (Rom 5:12)
All people sin (Rom 3:23)
All people fall short (Rom 5:18)
The payment we all deserve is death:
For our sin, physical death is punishment (Rom 6:23)
Based on our lives of sin, we are all destined for hell:
We are destined for an eternity spent in separation from God (hell) (Matt 25:46)
God’s love for us gives us a way from our rightful punishment. He sent his son, so that all who believe in
him will be forgiven of their transgression (opposition) to God:
Because of God’s love, he ensures that all who believe in Jesus’ name will be forgiven (John 3:16)
By placing our sins on Christ, all will be forgiven (Acts 10:43)
Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the justification of those who believe (Rom 4:25)
Proof to followers of his resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-6)
The way to God is through Jesus. The bible teaches there is no other way:
Salvation under no one else (Acts 4:12)
Everyone who calls on his name will be saved (Rom 10:13)
The Good News that Jesus is teaching us is one of the most important things you can learn in your life.
It speaks to God’s love for you, despite your rebellion, your sin, your weakness. It transcends all of that,
and when you place your faith in God, through Jesus, the Word of God promises that your sins will be
forgiven. Working to get in God’s good graces isn’t the truth God wants us to know. It’s placing our trust
for everything in our life in Jesus, who promises that he is working for our good (Isaiah 4:19)
4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said
in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was
trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew
up, but withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns
grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As
he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
In verse 4, Luke records that a great crowd followed Jesus and his teachings. If we go to
Matthew 13:1-3, we see that Matthew echoes the sentiment:
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered
around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
It is important to note that Jesus had pulled away a substantial amount of
followers from Judaism.
He said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed,
some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds
of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up,
vit withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among
thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell
into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he
called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Christ begins His parable. He starts with describing a familiar agricultural method of
His day. When a farmer would go out to plant seeds, he would scatter the seeds, then
plow them into the ground. They used this method because they often didn’t know the
quality of the soil until something grew (or didn’t grow). At the parable’s core is this simple
fact: the difference is not in the seeds, but in the soil itself.
“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, (1)some fell along
the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured
it. 6 (2) And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, vit withered away,
because it had no moisture. 7 (3) And some fell among thorns, and the
thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 (4)And some fell into good soil
and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who
has ears to hear, let him hear.”
The seeds fall on four different types of soil:
1). Along the Path (Wayside)
Nothing can grow because path (where people walk) is too hard.
2). On Rocks (Rocky Ground)
Soil is thin; seed springs up quickly because the soil in warm,
but cannot take root.
3). Among thorns
Fertile soil; thorns choke out the good grain and do not make a
productive crop.
4). Good Ground
Soil that is fertile and weed free; will increase crop 100 fold
1). Along the Path (Wayside)
Nothing can grow because path (where people walk) is too hard
There are a few reasons why the seed (the word of God) cannot grow in
some people:
Some receive the word with a hardened heart and will not let the word penetrate
them. These are those who have decided that God’s word isn’t acceptable
to them, or they simply don’t believe it. Others hear the word but don’t understand
it. In other words, the word has no effect because it doesn’t penetrate;
it quickly dissolves and is not taken in. The devil takes away the sown word
(birds). It’s his job to hide and distort the word of God. He has the power to
do so. He works hard in keeping the spiritual strength of believers diminished.
But ultimately, it is our choice to learn,to soften our hearts to the message, and
to thwart the plans of satan. This verse speaks to the problem of our willingness.
Many people are not willing to study and learn and grow. Many desire
to turn away from the word and continue with their lives.
2). Rock (Rocky Ground)
Soil is thin; seed springs up quickly because the soil is
warm, but cannot take root
Why can’t the word grow in peopel who are immediately enthusiastic?
The metaphor here is about those who are enthusiastic about the word and
throw everythign into following God. They join every group and jump into
every serving opportunity, rush headlong into church life. This is a good
thing, but without a foundation, it easily dies out as quickly as it begins.
The seed is good, the sun hits it and it sprouts quickly, but fails due to lack of
moisture. In reality, the person has lacked something in connection with God.
There is no true connection with scripture. There is duty without foundation,
action with no spirituality, a psuedo-faith with no real repentance, just a
sense that one has to “catch up.” Ultimately, the heart is unchanged.
3). Among Thorns
Fertile soil; thorns choke out the good grain
and do not make a productive crop
The metaphor here is as follows: Some respond to word for awhile, but daily
concerns overtake them. Work, bills, family life, hobbies- all may be good
things, but they all become problems if the soil is fertile (your faith) but the
weeds overtake it (your circumstances). When there is competition for God in
your life, God is put on the back burner, up on the shelf, is now an afterthought.
He is something you will get to when you have time. After all, you have a lot of
things on your plate, right. The problem here can be boiled down to one question:
Do you have time for God? Do emergencies and situations in life cause
you to lean toward or away from God? When your attention falls away from
God, then you run the risk of weeds choking off the relationship.
4). Good Ground
Soil that is fertile and weed free; will increase crop 100 fold
These are people who keep the word, bear good fruit, fulfill the purpose of the
seed. They hear the word, retain it, and by perseverance produce a good
crop. In times of trouble, or even distraction, these are the people who can
actively turn back to God and reconfigure themselves to him. The understand
and follow God’s ordinances. Not perfectly, but the best they can.
David was a good example of this. When he failed (sometimes atrociously),
he remembered God, turned back to him, and was restored to him.
Conclusion
Bits of Ourself
Wayside- Sometimes we allow no room in our
lives for the word
Rocky Places- Flashes of enthusiasm that quickly
burn out
Among Thorns- Concerns threaten to choke out
word of God
Good Ground- word bears fruit in our life
Jesus’ teaching gives us a firm example onhow the word effects
people in different ways. It is our job to discover where we fall
into the example and work toward a deeper and more intimate
realtionship with God
Have you ever watched a plant grow? No, you can’t just sit in the dirt and
watch a plant, day after day,struggle to the surface and reach toward the
sun. Who has time for that? Each seed planted needs a combination
of sun, water, and good soil. If any of this criteria is not met, the
plant will struggle to become exactly what it is meant to be.
In the parable of the sower, Jesus tells us a story. Yes, it’s good
farming sense, and you can use that as your takeaway. Anyone
who wants to become a farmer needs to learn how to spread seed
in a field. But there is more to what Christ says in this seemingly
simply parable. In fact, Christ has much to say about how we may
or my not receive the Word of God. He paints a remarkable picture
of how we are a broken people and how we receive the Word
of God in four different ways.
As always, Christ has deeper truths for us.
First off:
What is a parable?
Webster’s Dictionary defines a parable as follows:
A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, as told by Jesus in the Gospels.
In Greek, the literal definition is a little different: A comparison, illustration or an analogy. It is
a short tale that illustrates a universal truth. It always has a main point or principle.
Why would Jesus teach in Parables?
Why didn’t Jesus simply state the truth in BOLD TYPE, in no uncertain terms?
There are a few reasons for this.
1. SOCIAL CONSTRAINTS: If you have read any of Luke’s account of Jesus’ ministry, you’ll
know that the Pharisees (the ruling Jewish religious class of the era) was watching Jesus very
closely. Jesus had already proclaimed himself God and was performing miracles all over
Capernum and other spots in Israel and the Pharisees had come out, in force, to analyze his
teaching. Yes, they were looking for holes in Jesus’ theology in order to undercut his divine
nature. From the Pharisitical point of view, this is important. Jesus has developed a following,
a large following, and Pharisees, to an extent, are concerned about their power slipping away.
Soto discredit Jesus is their mission, despite the miracles they’ve seen.
So in this context, Jesus is under a microscope. Why incite the powers of the time? He speaks
in stories as not to incite the Pharisees and create chaos wherever he goes.
2. THE MESSAGE: The parables are taught as simple stories. Some people will go away with
the surface message. Some may ponder the message for a time, looking for some greater meaning.
Other will pray, study and yearn for the deeper meaning. Parables are meant for those
people. For the person who yearns for the deeper meaning will find it, and discover the true
intent of the parable.
Parable of the Sower
LUKE 8:1-15
1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good
news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured
of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna
the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were
helping to support them out of their own means.
VERSE 1
We have to understand first what the Good news of Jesus Christ is. Christ, after
all, is putting his life on the line preaching something that is in opposition to the
Pharisitical law (the legalistic approach to obeying God). There is a progression that
all men have fallen into (sin) and, in turn, a way out of the punishment (hell) that
we all deserve. It is found in faith in Jesus Christ. Below is scripture to support the
process on sin and redemption:
First, Jesus is preaching a radically different approach to salvation. The Pharisitical
approach is one of strict behavior modification and works that aim to acquire salvation
through deeds, or works. Jesus teaches that it is through faith alone that allows
salvation.
Forgiveness of sin for all who believe (Rom 10:19)
We are all sinners and all fall short of salvation:
Man’s initial sin has put all mankind under condemnation of sin (Rom 5:12)
All people sin (Rom 3:23)
All people fall short (Rom 5:18)
The payment we all deserve is death:
For our sin, physical death is punishment (Rom 6:23)
Based on our lives of sin, we are all destined for hell:
We are destined for an eternity spent in separation from God (hell) (Matt 25:46)
God’s love for us gives us a way from our rightful punishment. He sent his son, so that all who believe in
him will be forgiven of their transgression (opposition) to God:
Because of God’s love, he ensures that all who believe in Jesus’ name will be forgiven (John 3:16)
By placing our sins on Christ, all will be forgiven (Acts 10:43)
Jesus’ resurrection guarantees the justification of those who believe (Rom 4:25)
Proof to followers of his resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-6)
The way to God is through Jesus. The bible teaches there is no other way:
Salvation under no one else (Acts 4:12)
Everyone who calls on his name will be saved (Rom 10:13)
The Good News that Jesus is teaching us is one of the most important things you can learn in your life.
It speaks to God’s love for you, despite your rebellion, your sin, your weakness. It transcends all of that,
and when you place your faith in God, through Jesus, the Word of God promises that your sins will be
forgiven. Working to get in God’s good graces isn’t the truth God wants us to know. It’s placing our trust
for everything in our life in Jesus, who promises that he is working for our good (Isaiah 4:19)
4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said
in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was
trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew
up, but withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns
grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As
he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
In verse 4, Luke records that a great crowd followed Jesus and his teachings. If we go to
Matthew 13:1-3, we see that Matthew echoes the sentiment:
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered
around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.
It is important to note that Jesus had pulled away a substantial amount of
followers from Judaism.
He said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed,
some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds
of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up,
vit withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among
thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell
into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he
called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Christ begins His parable. He starts with describing a familiar agricultural method of
His day. When a farmer would go out to plant seeds, he would scatter the seeds, then
plow them into the ground. They used this method because they often didn’t know the
quality of the soil until something grew (or didn’t grow). At the parable’s core is this simple
fact: the difference is not in the seeds, but in the soil itself.
“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, (1)some fell along
the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured
it. 6 (2) And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, vit withered away,
because it had no moisture. 7 (3) And some fell among thorns, and the
thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 (4)And some fell into good soil
and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who
has ears to hear, let him hear.”
The seeds fall on four different types of soil:
1). Along the Path (Wayside)
Nothing can grow because path (where people walk) is too hard.
2). On Rocks (Rocky Ground)
Soil is thin; seed springs up quickly because the soil in warm,
but cannot take root.
3). Among thorns
Fertile soil; thorns choke out the good grain and do not make a
productive crop.
4). Good Ground
Soil that is fertile and weed free; will increase crop 100 fold
1). Along the Path (Wayside)
Nothing can grow because path (where people walk) is too hard
There are a few reasons why the seed (the word of God) cannot grow in
some people:
Some receive the word with a hardened heart and will not let the word penetrate
them. These are those who have decided that God’s word isn’t acceptable
to them, or they simply don’t believe it. Others hear the word but don’t understand
it. In other words, the word has no effect because it doesn’t penetrate;
it quickly dissolves and is not taken in. The devil takes away the sown word
(birds). It’s his job to hide and distort the word of God. He has the power to
do so. He works hard in keeping the spiritual strength of believers diminished.
But ultimately, it is our choice to learn,to soften our hearts to the message, and
to thwart the plans of satan. This verse speaks to the problem of our willingness.
Many people are not willing to study and learn and grow. Many desire
to turn away from the word and continue with their lives.
2). Rock (Rocky Ground)
Soil is thin; seed springs up quickly because the soil is
warm, but cannot take root
Why can’t the word grow in peopel who are immediately enthusiastic?
The metaphor here is about those who are enthusiastic about the word and
throw everythign into following God. They join every group and jump into
every serving opportunity, rush headlong into church life. This is a good
thing, but without a foundation, it easily dies out as quickly as it begins.
The seed is good, the sun hits it and it sprouts quickly, but fails due to lack of
moisture. In reality, the person has lacked something in connection with God.
There is no true connection with scripture. There is duty without foundation,
action with no spirituality, a psuedo-faith with no real repentance, just a
sense that one has to “catch up.” Ultimately, the heart is unchanged.
3). Among Thorns
Fertile soil; thorns choke out the good grain
and do not make a productive crop
The metaphor here is as follows: Some respond to word for awhile, but daily
concerns overtake them. Work, bills, family life, hobbies- all may be good
things, but they all become problems if the soil is fertile (your faith) but the
weeds overtake it (your circumstances). When there is competition for God in
your life, God is put on the back burner, up on the shelf, is now an afterthought.
He is something you will get to when you have time. After all, you have a lot of
things on your plate, right. The problem here can be boiled down to one question:
Do you have time for God? Do emergencies and situations in life cause
you to lean toward or away from God? When your attention falls away from
God, then you run the risk of weeds choking off the relationship.
4). Good Ground
Soil that is fertile and weed free; will increase crop 100 fold
These are people who keep the word, bear good fruit, fulfill the purpose of the
seed. They hear the word, retain it, and by perseverance produce a good
crop. In times of trouble, or even distraction, these are the people who can
actively turn back to God and reconfigure themselves to him. The understand
and follow God’s ordinances. Not perfectly, but the best they can.
David was a good example of this. When he failed (sometimes atrociously),
he remembered God, turned back to him, and was restored to him.
Conclusion
Bits of Ourself
Wayside- Sometimes we allow no room in our
lives for the word
Rocky Places- Flashes of enthusiasm that quickly
burn out
Among Thorns- Concerns threaten to choke out
word of God
Good Ground- word bears fruit in our life
Jesus’ teaching gives us a firm example onhow the word effects
people in different ways. It is our job to discover where we fall
into the example and work toward a deeper and more intimate
realtionship with God