Parable of the Sower

Kipp Campbell

In Matthew 13 Jesus uses a parable to teach concerning the word. By using the sower as an illustration (one they would be familiar with), the lesson was brought closer to home and thus was made easier for them to understand. The parable of the sower is an important lesson for us to understand because it speaks to every Christian today that is interested in teaching others about the Lord. It shows us that even in the first century there were those who rejected the gospel for one reason or another, a trend that continues still today. Note with some lessons from this parable.

Some reject the gospel right away. In v. 19 Jesus said, “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road.” For whatever reason, this person had the opportunity to hear the word but chose not to accept it. We have many today like this. People who have heard the gospel proclaimed on occasion but out of their own willingness, have chosen not to obey what they have heard.

Some accept it but fall away after a short time. In vv. 20-21 Jesus said, “And the one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word, and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.” This person has heard the gospel and accepted it for a short period of time. Eventually the trials arise and because they are not strong, they wither and fall away. When the trials appear, it is then we find out just how strong we are in our faith (James 1:2-4). We can proclaim our steadfastness all we want, but until our faith has been put to the test, we don’t know how strong (or weak) we really are.

Some accept it but fall away because they still are worldly minded. In v. 22 Jesus said, “And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” This person has allowed the cares of the world keep the word from bearing fruit in them. They have placed a premium on worldly desires and a minimum on spiritual desires. Although it can be hard at times, we must not allow those things (money, worry, etc.) to keep us from serving the Lord.

Some accept it and produce fruit. In v. 23 Jesus said, “And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.” This is the person who had taken what he has heard and allowed it to bear fruit in his life. This is hopefully the aim of every serious person who hears the gospel taught. Just knowing what is right is not enough. We must be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:25).

It is worth noting that each of these individuals had the same opportunity to hear the gospel proclaimed. Each person also had a decision to make as to what was more important to them. Regardless of how people receive the gospel, as Christians, we must make it our aim to keep preaching and teaching. What they do with it, is up to them. May God bless you as you strive to reach those who are lost in this community.