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Can you explain the Parable of the Sower?


Introduction. The Parable of the Sower is found in Matthew 13: 3-9, Mark 4: 3-9, and Luke 8: 5-8). There was great interest in this parable when it was first spoken by the Lord and a request was then made for explanation (Luke 8: 9). One design of parables in general was to conceal the truth from the carnally minded (Matt. 13:10-15).

Jesus' explanation of the parable. Jesus explained this parable (Matt. 13:18-23, Mk. 4: 14-20, Luke 8: 11-15). The sower of the parable sows the word of God (Mk. 4: 14). The word is the seed of the kingdom (Luke 8: II). Just as in the natural realm, the seed of the kingdom, the word, contains the germ of life. Without the seed there can be no life (Jas. 1: 18-21). The devil attempts to preclude the word (Matt. 13: 19) because the word produces faith (salvation, Luke 8: 12, Rom. 10:17). The four soil types represent four types of hearers (Matt. 13: 4-8, 19-23). There are many hindrances to the word being firmly and productively received: the devil, little root, tribulation, pleasure, and the deceitfulness of riches (Matt. 13:21-23). Seventy-five percent of the hearer types do not bring forth fruit to perfection (Mk. 4:14-20).

The primary lesson of the parable. While there are numerous truths taught in this parable, the basic truth appears to be that of human responsibility. Please observe that the soil types were present before the word was sown! In three types, the word did not remain and produce because of the soil condition. In the case of the successful hearers, the soil (heart) was good.

Conclusion. Entirely too much emphasis today is placed on the sower. This parable shows the pre-existing soil or heart determines the reception and productivity of the word. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God," Jesus said (Matt. 5: 8).
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