The Parable of the Sower summary
The parable of the sower summary (sometimes called the Parable of the Four Soils summary): Sower parables are designed with intricate wisdom to draw the heart of the audience to experience a lesson through a story, as it simultaneously directs them to apply these nuggets to their life. Get the practical insight and more.
Part One
An Overview of Parables
The term “Parable” (Greek parabolē – παραβολή) means “comparison, analogy or illustration“, and usually conveys an instructive lesson that involves or compares human characters to impart a lesson. It is a word coined by Greek rhetoricians to illustrate a brief fictional story or narrative by throwing or placing things alongside of each other for the purpose of comparison. The parable of the sower summary.
When Jesus spoke in parables, He leads his audience by telling them a relatable illustration or story alongside of the Truth, with the intention to explain the Truth using the story. His stories were meant to stir up imagery, like a window to lead the listener to the larger reality. Jesus drew from the common life of the people to explain principles in His teaching. When you hear a parable, you’re meant to see the comparison, so you’ll learn how to act and how to choose the right response. Most of Jesus’s parables were based on an aspect of God’s Kingdom, or the identity of God’s people or the desire and sovereignty of God. His parables were deliberate as a method to reveal Righteousness by illustration; and communicate Truth in common every day terms. It is therefore, important to both understand the story as it would have been understood by Jesus’s original audience, and to know the larger reality Jesus was guiding them to understand.
The parable of the sower summary. Parables were an integral component in Jesus’ teaching. In the Gospel of Matthew alone, we find more than twenty of them. In Jesus’ days, I picture Him walking around or touring the countryside sharing bits and pieces of the Truth in an abstract way that people throughout Galilee, Judea, and another countryside could relate to. These people were able to make immediate connection by comparing their familiar everyday lives to spiritual truths; and this comparative association of human life vs spiritual truth was meant to give the parables sticking power. However, Jesus didn’t explain the parables in great detail or divulge most of the meaning. He expected His listeners to do some work, and that work is faith. If someone desires the truth, or for that matter, anything in life, they would go the extra mile to get it…right? There was a time the people asked Jesus what work does God require of them, and Jesus’ response was simply “to believe” John 6:28-29. Instead, most of them were looking for a sign.
Jesus hoped His listeners would combine what they hear with faith; He wanted them to understand with their heart. It has been said that the Truth was somewhat concealed to His listeners, as if Jesus intentionally concealed the Truth in His Parable. But we must not forget that Jesus came to reveal the Truth, so He was not hiding the Truth, He was merely seeking Truth Lovers and Truth Seekers. The parables that Jesus told were so simple and relatable to the listeners’ everyday lives, but Jesus told his stories in a way to draw the hearts of those who were really looking for the Truth. Those who heard His parables, and were not interested to learn and believe His message would not get it, they would see it as a simple story with trivial meanings that they are not interested in. The parable of the sower summary.
There is an art to all His parables. Jesus’ parables were designed with intricate wisdom to capture attention with familiar life and draw the hearer to participate and learn what God expected of them. As a result, two thousand years later we can still muse over Jesus’s parables, and discover our own relationship to their intertwined spiritual truths. Today, they still call us to a commitment and obedience that comes from love and faith, and show us whether or not we exemplify subjects of God’s Kingdom.
The Parable Of The Sower – An Introduction
The parable we’ll look at today is The Parable of the Sower. This parable has various participants or players and as such has been called many names:
· The Parable of the Sower
· The Parable of the Sower and Seed
· The Parable of the Four Soils
But I like to call it, The Parable of the Four Hearts; which I will develop my commentary on in the final part of this topic – Part Four.
The Parable of the Sower, is a synoptic parable, because it was recounted or repeated as the same topic and story line, in three Gospels called the synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
Let’s take a look at the parable in each of its different forms in the Synoptic Gospels. If you click and read the three Scriptures, you’ll see that they are saying more or less the same thing:
The Parable Of The Sower Summary
The parable of the sower summary. The Parable of the Sower is a story about a Sower who scatters seeds. The seeds fell on four different types of ground; and each ground highlights four different responses to the Gospel. In the setting of that time a Farmer sowing a field would walk the length and breadth of the ground with a sack of seeds slung over his shoulder, throwing the seeds as he goes. As he walk, some seeds fell by the path, wayside and on different types of soil. The word “fell” denotes that the Farmer did not discriminate where the seeds fell, he wasn’t making sure the soil was ploughed and prepared before throwing the seeds. Actually, in those days ploughing was not the standard. The farmer would just take handfuls of seed and scatter them to the wind. This method of primitive agriculture was widely used in hilly regions like Galilee, where rocks just beneath the surface could easily destroy tools. The farmers could not be certain where the rocks and fertile soil are located. Finding and removing all rocks would be daunting, and time consuming. So, each spring the farmers would just scatter the seeds across their fields in the hope that most would find good soil. Some seeds would be lost by forces of nature, hard ground, birds, lack of rain and, weeds, etc. But, there was always enough good soil to grow the seeds for a good crop in the end.
So, Jesus’ audience could immediately identify with the Parable, because it was the rural perspective of both Jesus and the original audience. In a good year a farmer might reap five to ten times what he planted. But Jesus spoke of the good soil producing “thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown” and this was an extraordinary expectation. Jesus used a common relatable story with a miraculous outcome to show how dramatic the seed can grow in the right soil.
In His story, the results were: the first type of ground was hard, so the seed could not sprout or grow at all, and were snatched up instantly. The second type of ground was stony; the seed was able to plant at the surface and began to grow, however, it could not grow deep roots and soon withered in the sun. The third type of ground was on thorny soil; the seed was successfully planted and began to grow, but the seed could not compete with the amount of thorns that overpower it. The fourth ground was good soil that allowed the seed to successfully plant deep, grow strong, and produce fruit.
Jesus used this parable to explain to His listeners and His disciples that there are different responses to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. That the state of our heart matters in receiving the Gospel, and we are saved by our response after hearing the Gospel. We are, therefore, responsible for responding genuinely. In the words of Jesus—”He who has ears, let him hear!”
The Parable teach us the form that the kingdom will take before the great coming in glory of Christ the King. Although Jesus explained it to His disciple, the account did not go into great details. Jesus construct His stories around the message he wanted to reveal. He does not explain every detail; no explanation is given for the sower, the seed, the path, rocky ground, or the diverse yield from each ground. But He only explained it to His disciple later. And He also left the listeners with something to ponder: “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Why did Jesus say this?
This phrase,“having ears to hear” appears at least seven times in the Gospels. And a variation of this was mentioned seven times, when the Spirit warned the Churches in the Revelation 2 and Revelation 3. And another time in Revelation 13:9, right after the Dragon conquered God’s holy people and was given authority over all people. When Jesus recites this phrase, He is appealing to us to have a sober understanding of what we hear. Jesus is making the point: ‘are you really listening to the Truth, do not miss the point, I’m telling you to ponder over what you hear, ponder over what you read, do not just hear – I want you to listen, understand, heed and take to heart.’
You Either Hear / or Just Don’t Understand With Your Heart
You see, there’s a difference between having “ears” and having “ears to hear.” The Parable of the Sower is actually depicting four types of hearers, and four types of hearts that determine how they hear. Those who let the Word of God pass straight through their ears and not allow it to take root; and those who truly listen, hold onto to what they hear and put in the effort to understand so they are moved to do what it says (James 1:22 : “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”). Jesus spoke in layman terms so His audience would relate. If they really want to obey, they’ll hear, understand and become what Jesus was trying to tell them. The parable of the sower summary.
Seeking God’s Truth require an earnest desire to believe His Word, ponder over it, and focus until you understand. That’s how true Faith is grown, and it’s done by going to Jesus to learn from Him. Jesus is the Word, Truth, Way, Gate, Life and the Light.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth“
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.“
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.“
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.“
Part Two
The Farmer
In the context of the Parable, the Farmer is Jesus. The Farmer is hopeful for a good crop in the harvest, so He is willing to scatter the seed everywhere. Jesus doesn’t differentiate between worthy and unworthy soil. He came to seek and save the lost, not to judge the lost. He showers us with as much Grace and Gospel seed as He can, because He loves us and has a deep desire to save us.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
“If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust .”
Yet, while He was on earth, Jesus was Farmer, Sower, the Seed, and the Reaper – as He planted, and sowed, he was preparing to reap the Harvest then, now, and at the end of the age; gathering the Fruits of His hard work. And His disciples were also reaping the benefit of His labor and the labor of the prophets before Jesus was here on earth. However, the End Time Harvest is left for a later date – a division of wheat of weed (Matthew 13:30)
“Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor”
Jesus gave of Himself completely as the Seed; and was willing to die for all of us – before His time, during His time, Now and in the Future. The parable of the sower summary.
“Galatians 3:6 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ..”
“Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
In this passage (about kernel), Jesus teaches us the principle of a kernel of wheat. We’ll look at this deeper, later, when we analyze the Seed . We’ll understand that when we choose to be a Christian (followers of Jesus = disciples of Jesus = Christians), we are given Life to live, but we get this New Life by dying to ourselves (Born Again) to take of the Character Life of Jesus.
The Farmer’s focus is on producing a lucrative crop; but in love He gives Himself (gives the Seed) to all types of Soil. He knew this was the only way to Save Us and to produce replicas of Himself – he will produce people who will come to know that once they choose Him and give themselves to Him to become a Christian, they are also a Follower of Jesus. And their lives should produce Fruits quite similar to the Fruits shown in Jesus Christ’s Life. He’s not overly concerned with whether or not some of the Soil is going to reject the Seed—that’s a given. But He knows that in the end, the harvest He yields will make Him happy.
The Parable of the Sower
The Farmer owns the field or land – which is the people of all nations – and has entrusted the Sower to continue the work of sowing the Seed. After Jesus finished His mission here on earth and return to Heaven, we see in the Books of Acts (v 40-41 of chapter 2) the planting of the Church. Jesus hands the baton, as it were, to the Twelve. And Peter addressed the crowd on the Day of Pentecost and three thousand people were baptized into Christ. Ultimately, the Church became the Sower, and the Church is God’s people, offspring of the Seed, Christ.
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
Yet, there are many who reject Jesus:
Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”
“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’ “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. “What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.” When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!” Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone?” .”
The Church continues the work of planting seeds in (Jesus’/ God’s) vineyard. We take on the form and role of the Seed, Christ – this is why we are called to be imitators of Christ in every way. The plan was for us to become like Jesus…as we sow Jesus into the hearts of others, we too partake of the role of Jesus, like tiny seeds from the Seed. As imitators of Christ we show that we indeed represent Him on earth. If we believe the Scriptures that speaks about Jesus and His followers are true, then we ought to desire to become what the Scriptures says.
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. .”
Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven..”
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
See more Scriptures that show that Jesus’ followers are workers in the Harvest, who represent Jesus. Mark 9:37-38, Matthew 20:1, Mark 13:34, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Psalm 68:11
The Farmer and Sower Work As One
The parable of the sower summary. Christians are called to be like Christ, to first ensure that we are manifesting Christ to the world; and go out and sow seeds of the Gospel of Christ to the world. The Hebrew word for sow (זָרַע – ZÄ·RAH’) literally means “to sow or scatter seed“; but in its figurative history, this word has been used to mean the way of providing wisdom in all areas of life, like scattering or planting knowledge. The concept of sowing, reaping, planting and harvesting is used figuratively throughout the Bible. Sowing (or seed sowing) is defined as the process of placing the seed in soil to germinate and grow into plant. When we look at Seed and Soil in more detail we could see how all work together for a Fruitful crop: The Farmer, Sower, Seed and Soil.
And here are some Scriptures that shows what Jesus was doing, and how He manifested Fruits that we should have, since we are in Him and should be like Him. He left His footprints, so we would know how a Christian should look like. We also have written examples in the letters among the Churches, how they were implored to follow Christ-like examples. When you know you’re in Christ, you’ll also know that your character is Christ-like and that you represent Him on earth and continue His work in the harvest. You grow into a fruitful seed, bearing plenty fruits: and you are also aware your work is done in unity or oneness with Jesus. The “Farmer” and “Sower” work together; just like Jesus and God worked together while Jesus was here in flesh. Without Jesus we can do nothing. The parable of the sower summary.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
“ Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”
“I urge you, then, be imitators of me.”
“And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him .”
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit “
“ You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. “
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. “
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. “
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. “
“For we walk by faith, not by sight. “
While on earth we live for Christ in every way, not for ourselves…we behave like Him and continue His work. Jesus sow seeds, and we sow the same seed Jesus was sowing, while He was here. So our job is to continue the example of Christ to sow Seed of the Gospel – are you surprised? To declare the title of a Christian is to know you are imitating Jesus Christ, and you show yourself to be not like the World. Instead, you treat this title with respect for Jesus, because it’s an honor to represent Him. And you know you claim this title, because you’re not hypocritical – so you go into the World to spread the Word i.e. sow the Word of God. We spread the Gospel, because we have the same love for people as Christ has loved us. Sowing seeds should be a part of how we live. To the good Soil we will be like the aroma of Christ, while those who are of the unfit Soil we will be like the stench of death. The parable of the sower summary.
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky, as you hold firmly to the word of life .”
But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.”
And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.”
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
The Word of God is the Bible, and Jesus is also the Word of God, He is the Seed. The Message of the Gospel was commissioned to Jesus’ followers and Jesus promised He will be with us to the very end of the age. We are to follow the footsteps of our Lord and Teacher.
Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ .”
The parable of the sower summary. Since Jesus promised to be with us, we know that when we sow “Jesus”, “The Gospel”, “the Good News of the Kingdom” – we know Jesus is with us. If we desire to be used by God to spread the Seed and grow a bountiful crop, we need to spread as much seed as we possibly can, knowing that a lot of it isn’t going to take root. Jesus has shown us that if we try and guess which soil is most likely to support the message of the Kingdom, we’re going to get it wrong. Only God knows. And God is like the Farmer who gives liberal amount of Seed to all; we all have been given an equal fair chance to know God . Like Jesus, we’re to sow the Gospel as liberally as possible.
that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
The Bible is the greatest best seller, about 5 billion sold and in multiple languages. Today, (the year 2020), the world’s population as we know it is about 7.7 billion. This means every household could own a copy of the Bible, if we want to. This also means, as Christians grow both in number and spiritual maturity, we need to scatter the Gospel as widely as we can. It’s the only way to imitate the Farmer, and it’s the only way to produce the kind of yield the Lord would like to see.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come .”
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
We are also like God’s field, and He is looking for us to produce fruit. And we are also God’s farmers, and He’s looking to expand the size of His crop. The only way to yield a bountiful crop within ourselves and in others is to understand we cannot do this without relying on Jesus, as the letter to the Church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 3:6-9) says: it is God who makes things grow. We ask God to teach us His Truth, and thus He fills our sack with the good Seed of the Kingdom to plant into hearts. And He will find the good Soil. As Christians we go forth in the Lord’s name and scatter His precious Seed. It is the Word of God that will produce the Fruits into the good Soil. The parable of the sower summary.
The Parable of the Seed
In Luke 8: 11, Jesus said the Seed is the Word of God. Travel with me a bit on the voyage to understand the ecosystem of a seed: and why Jesus chose to use the seed vs soil analogy to show that although a seed has life, it cannot grow in certain soil.
A seed is like a life-filled young plant wrapped into a protective coating or capsule ready to grow. I think of a seed like an embryo – a plant equivalent of a human fetus. It has the DNA information that will eventually grow to look like the parent. Filled with vascular tissue, and genetic information, it germinates and produce a plant or tree. The seed germination and transformation holds a magical phenomenon as it reconstructs itself from seedling, to plant and to full grown tree, bearing fruits. The parable of the sower summary.
A seed bearing tree produces many seed from one tree – seeds of its kind – including roots, leaves, steams or branches. Seed plants grow different from a seedless plant and require less water because the seed has built-in food storage, with the DNA written in its cells, and inclination for growth. Although there are different types of seed, they pretty much have the same structure – an embryo, the food storage and a seed coat.
The parable of the sower summary. From the time a seed is planted, to the time it is set to grow, there are many challenges, including supplying nutrients to the cells and standing upright and strong. The strength of the cells support the plants, and the nutrients are transported through the vascular tissues – similar to how nutrients are transported through our veins. The seed gets its nutrients from food, water, sunlight and other food sources to survive. Food is produced in the leaves, and enters the vascular tissues called phloem, which travels to the stems and into the roots. And the water and nutrients travel through vascular tissues called xylem. The roots of the growing plant absorb water and nutrients from the soil; and enter the roots xylem upwards to the stems and leaves. But the plant itself cannot survive without photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis, the process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light energy into chemical energy, to maintain life on planet earth. During photosynthesis cycle – water, light, and carbon dioxide are absorbed by a plant to produce oxygen, sugars, and more carbon dioxide; and light energy converts carbon dioxide, water and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds. If God did not plug in the cycle of photosynthesis, the earth would cease to exist. There would be little food; and most organisms would disappear. In time the atmosphere surrounding earth would become entirely devoid of oxygen – only bacteria would be left, since it doesn’t rely on energy from light to live.
Seeds, therefore, represents life, hope and rebirth. If you scatter seeds on good soil, with the right atmosphere and right quality, it will grow fruits to produce many seeds. It is important to note, however, that if you scatter seeds on the wrong soil it will not grow at all, or even if it began to grow, it would eventually die. Having the right Soil is crucial to receiving the Seed. Therefore, if you are not growing, then consider how you could start praying for the heart (the Soil) that will be keen to God’s Word. A heart that welcomes the Seed, and believes what Jesus promised He will do with the good Soil. Later when we look at the Soil – we’ll go into detail on the differences of the Hearts. The parable of the sower summary.
As we traveled through the ecosystem of a seed, it’s also important to note that when Jesus spoke about sowing seeds, he was also showing in the Parable of the Sower that His followers are the good Soil and they will process the Seed (Matthew 13;11-12). Also, it is His followers who will be figuratively scattered, or shared – they will be sharing and sowing the Beliefs that was fed to them. They ate of the Seed Christ. They will be the ones to spread into the minds and hearts of others the Word of Christ – The Seed. And these people that they share the Seed with will become followers of Jesus, and thus multiply the Seed Christ all over the world. However, the Seed (The Gospel of Jesus) will ONLY grow in the good soil. And this is what we saw after Jesus died. The disciples were scattered in the Book of Acts; and later we see this scattering also evident in the Letters to the Churches that were planted. The parable of the sower summary.
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
After Jesus’ 12 finally understood their mission, they were able to vigorously and boldly spread The Seed – The Gospel of Jesus Christ. We see in the Book of Acts that the Church once it began, it was scattered throughout the regions spreading the Gospel.
Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison. Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.”
James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.”
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen.”
And not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad .”
The parable of the sower summary. Christianity took root and blossomed into the Apostles heart first, they were the first-fruits of the spiritual Harvest of Jesus – the Seed. And then spread to the other disciples as they spread the Gospel. However, the type of tree that Christ planted as His Church is one where the seeds it produces cannot grow without being into the tree of Christ. The Church gets Life from remaining in Jesus. So that’s why the Seed of Christ produces a tree very similar to a vine – a vine that spreads. It is obvious that a fruit will not grow if it’s cut off from the vine of that tree; we cannot grow unless we remain in the vine. The vine is the life-blood of that fruit.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
Christ, the Seed, is also like a kernel filled with the DNA formational miracle, so we need to remain in Him to become like Him. When we remain in Him, He is able to sow Fruits in us and we sow His Seed in others. This is how we mature with abundant Fruit that will last.
I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives.”
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit–fruit that will last–and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
“From Seed to Seed“, (credits from – The Learning Garden)
The Parable of the Soil
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus makes it clear that the condition of the human heart determines the receptiveness of the Seed. The Parable compares four different types of soils, and these soil are the types of hearts that process the Word of God. At one extreme there’s the path, made mostly of dirt and it does not process anything. At the other extreme is the good ground that receives the (Seed / Word of God); and holds the Seed in place to grow deep down.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
The parable of the sower summary. By taking root, this means the good Soil believes, accepts and obeys the Word, which in turn produces fruits of righteousness and obedience. If the Soil is not good, the Seed will not take root, and without adequate nourishment the plant withers and dies. Therefore, as Jesus pointed out, it is the healthy or good Soil that will activate the Seed Mark 4:28 “All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head”. For this reason, we’ll take a look at the ecosystem of Soils a bit.
Soil vs. Dirt
It’s important to note that dirt and soil are different. We will look at the ecosystem of soils vs. dirt. Soil teems with energy for plant life, like a battery stored-up energy, or like an ocean full of various life systems and interaction of nutrient circuits. I want to look at healthy soil first – separate from the general properties of soil – since it’s the healthy soil that Jesus called the “good heart”. Healthy soil is a community of life in itself. It supports the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet, with billions of living organisms continuously at work creating soil structure and extending soil life. This good soil is filled with organic matter and humus, that holds up to 90 percent of its weight in water. For this reason it is able to absorb and store nutrients, and remain damp, even in adverse conditions, such as, drought. Organic matter is also food for microorganisms, and other forms of soil life that are critical to keep soil healthy. Healthy soil is fluffy, loose and moist when you pick it up. And is filled with about 25 percent air that supplies life to the roots of the plant. The parable of the sower summary.
Now, let’s look at the general properties of plant.
Properties of Soil
In general these are some the properties of soil.
- It is an alive magnificent medium to grow the plants and vegetation we consume.
- It is comprised of solids (minerals and organic matter), liquid, and gases that occurs on the land surface.
- Soil is composed of both organic and inorganic matter e.g., decaying matter/humus, earthworms that are essential elements to sustain growth of vegetation, seeds and plants.
- Humus affects the bulk and density of soil, encouraging the soil’s aeration and mineral bonding ability of the soil to hold water.
- Soil supports viable plant life with its naturally occurring nutrients and minerals, and complete and self-sustaining ecosystem.
- Sand, silt, clay, and organic matter make up soil. This allows for different sized particles that creates texture and structure and aid in aeration and drainage
- When scooped up in your hand, soil will clump or ball easily, even without adding water; or form a loose moist texture.
- Soil color shows its mineral content and the nutrients give good soil its rich dark color. Rich, dark or loamy soil has a high percentage of organic matter, which is the ideal growing medium for most plants
Know Soil, Know Life (credits from – Biology Life Soil)
Properties of Dirt
- Dirt looks like soil, but it is dead. It does not support life. You can’t grow seeds or plants in dirt – they won’t flourish.
- Often made up of silt, sand, rocks or clay, or could be derived from dust or grime.
- Void of beneficial minerals, nutrients, humus or microbes that helps the seed to grow.
- Inorganic compound that does not compact, so it’s easily eroded e.g. “an old dirt road”.
- Exist a few inches under the ground and has no topsoil, no texture, or structure e.g. may have bedrock underneath.
- You can easily differentiate dirt from soil by adding water: because it doesn’t clump or compact well, dirt won’t hold the seedling or plant upright.
- It’s taken from its natural environment, e.g. as a result of volcanic eruption, siltation, or other natural or human elements.
- Dirt is disassociated from the ecosystem: it’s exist on it’ own e.g. what’s under your fingernail during gardening is dirt.
- Because dirt is disassociated from its ecosystem, it lacks the nutrients needed to promote plant growth.
Therefore, dirt is completely useless to gardeners and farmers. However, the GOOD NEWS is – dirt can be converted to Soil. Knowing how to turn dirt into soil will be the difference between success and failure in a seedling, plant, vegetable or flower garden beds. The overall quality of soil varies depending on geographical area, pH levels, aeration, chemical makeup such as nitrogen and oxygen, organisms, climate, structure, color, and texture. By knowing the properties of healthy soil, you are able to convert dirt into soil over time, by adding the organic matter to regenerate life. The organic matter will provide food for beneficial microorganisms, so the ecological system can start the revitalization process.
The parable of the sower summary. There is also the opposite spectrum, where soil can deteriorate and become dirt. One good example of how soil becomes dirt is when you dig in your backyard and transport the soil to another location. The displaced soil can lose its ability to support plant growth and is now dirt. Another example how soil become dirt, is from pollution. Soil in urban areas or the city, may contain a substantial amount of manmade materials, including broken glass, plastics, construction waste, harmful chemicals, garbage, etc. Plants will not flourish in polluted soil; so it’s safe to say the soil has become dirt.
Later when we analyze the good heart we will delve into the good soil properties to see how we can turn the unfruitful heart (the heart similar to dirt) into fruitful heart (the heart similar to good soil). The parable of the sower summary.
Part Three
PLEASE VISIT LATER TO GET PART THREE Meet The Four Soils: The Hard, Hopeless Path / The Closed, Hardened Heart The Stony, Rocky Soil / The Shallow, Irreverent Heart The Thorny, Deceptive Soil / The Open, Easily Defiled Heart The Good Soil / The Open, Faithful Heart |
Part Four
How Do We Get The Good Heart That Will Bear Fruit For God? |
