The parable spoken by Jesus, as recorded in Luke 8:4-15, is usually referred to as “the parable of the Sower,” as it speaks of a “sower who went forth to sow his seed….”  However, more is said in this parable about the soils into which the seed is sown than about the sower, so it be better called “the parable of the soils.”

The central message of this parable is that as God’s word is taught, it receives varied responses depending upon the condition of the soils—human minds and hearts.  Jesus speaks of four types of soil:

  1. The wayside-soil hearers (v. 5).As a sower of seed broadcasts seed in his field, some of his seed would fall upon a hardened path, possibly at the edge of his field.  Being exposed on such a surface, it would quickly attract the attention of birds that would move in to devour it.  Jesus uses this to illustrate the hardened condition of men’s hearts, whose hearts and consciences have become unreceptive of His teachings—the “seed of the kingdom of God” (v. 12; cf. Mark 4:26). The birds represent satanic forces that quickly remove God’s word from the human heart lest the recipient would believe, responding in obedience to that word, and be saved.
  2. The rocky-soil hearers (v. 6).  If a portion of a field has only a thin layer of soil hiding a ledge of stone underneath, the soil quickly loses its moisture-content, and, because of the lack of moisture, any plants that may spring up will soon die.  It is not uncommon for converts, when the newness of being a Christian wears off, to fall away.  A casual acceptance of the truths of God are insufficient for steadfastness in the face of the trials of life.   We are urged to be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as we know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
  3. The thorny-soil hearers (v. 7).Even as plants are often choked out by thorns and weeds, Jesus acknowledges that some would lose faith due to the “cares and pleasures of this life” (v. 14).   The world, with its many enticements, lures many back into its embrace.  John warns us, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

 

  1. The good-soil hearers (v. 8).  When soil is receptive to the seed, with adequate moisture and the removal of weeds that would deprive the plants of needed nourishment, fruit would be expected.  Jesus speaks of good hearts that are receptive and submissive to God’s word, bringing forth “fruit with patience” (v. 15). 

We are living in troublesome times and are in situations that make the future of our country, and of the world, questionable.  We need to be reminded that our faith needs strengthening that we may endure whatever direction the world goes.  That encouragement best comes from God’s word.  Paul reminds us of this fact when he wrote the Roman Christians, “For whatever things were written before (referring to the Old Testament) were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).  We have more scriptures than what Paul had, having our New Testament scriptures, but the truth is the same.  Patient endurance troublesome times, we are comforted by the hope we have in Christ. The soil of our hearts will determine how we face life’s turmoil.

Friend, which of these four soils describes the soil of your heart?                                            

–Ron Bartanen is a retired preacher living in Milton, FL