THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER [A] Mt. 13:3-8
Given the purpose for these parables (i.e., the nature of heaven's kingdom), one would think Jesus would have described the coming Messiah's reign with explosive, sweeping...even cataclysmic metaphors. Not so. Christ chose something as mundane and ordinary as a farmer sowing seed. Though Jesus would later term this "the parable of the sower" (v. 18), His little story emphasizes where the seed is sown, not who does the sowing.
His audience knew all to well the image of scattering seed. In such work, there are 3 variables: the sower, his seed, and the ground. The sower & the seed are both constants. Despite the skillful labor of the sower and the seed's hidden germinating power, all still depends upon the receptiveness of the soil. This was Jesus' focus.
Hard Ground: Unyielding (v. 4)
The "wayside" was the walkways between plowed tracts of ground. Seed that fell upon such soil would find no reception, but would dance upon the surface only to lay there, destined to be devoured by birds or to be tread upon by other sowers (cp. Lk. 8:5). Clearly, the Lord refers to hearts full of pride & stubbornness. Such hearers refuse to let God's word have sway in their lives, having no interest in this great kingdom. Satan easily takes God's seed away here (v. 19).
Rocky Ground: Shallow (vv. 5-6)
Though not the hard heart of the wayside soil, the shallow heart of the rocky or stony ground lacks something vital, too. It doesn't possess the depth required to grow God's seed. Characterized by emotional excitement, maybe even impulsiveness, such "ground" lacks the internal fortitude needed to withstand afflictions and persecutions that are sure to come "because of the word" (vv. 20-21; cp. 2 Tim. 3:12). Yes...the gospel ought to always bring joy into our lives. But it must be a joy deep enough to allow us to withstand the shocks of trying to live for the Lord in a godless world. It is for this very reason that the beckoning Jesus is also the Jesus who warns us to "count the cost" of becoming part of this great kingdom (cp. Lk. 9:57-58).
[continued next week, the Lord willing]
