In the Parable of the Sower Jesus says;
“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among the thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop - a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 13:3-9)
Eight verses later in Matthew, Jesus explains the meaning of the parable to the disciples;
“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the Kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the one who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.”
Jesus gives us 4 different scenarios of seed being spread in this parable. He explains that the seed is the Word, the good news shared with others. The soil is the heart of a person, where the seed of the good news can take root. Jesus makes clear that the problems in the parable don’t occur with the seed, but the problems arise depending on what kind of soil the seed falls onto.
Let’s take a look at the 4 different types of soil described in the parable of the sower.
- A hardened or oblivious heart is a barren wasteland. (Matthew 13:19
Some are opposed to the good news and there are those that are oblivious to it. Whether by personal volition or innocent omission, this parable is clear that seed will not grow where there is inhospitable soil. In fact, the enemy will come and snatch the seed away because he doesn’t want the seed to have any opportunity to take root and grow in a person’s life. This kind of soil will never reproduce because it cannot reproduce.
- A troubled heart produces shallow roots. (Matthew 13:20-21)
Life is a long, and at times, difficult journey. A heart that is troubled by the obstacles and adversity of life will fail to produce deep roots. These individuals have an interest in the Gospel and even seem to embrace it at the beginning of the journey. However, over time without tending to the growth of the seed of the Gospel they will fall away during the tough times and tribulations that all disciples of Christ experience. Jesus actually warned us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Shallow roots will not sustain a person through the adverse and difficult seasons of life. It takes deep and strong roots growing in healthy soil to weather the stormy seasons.
- A distracted heart bears no fruit (Matthew 13:22)
A distracted heart cannot grow the roots needed to sustain life. A heart that cares more for the things of the world than for the things of the Kingdom is not the healthy soil necessary to experience kingdom growth. Money, status, popularity, and other worldly endeavors choke out the ability of the seed to get the nutrients and care necessary to grow roots.
Unhealthy and distracted soil is not the place for seed to grow, and definitely not the place to find a harvest of healthy fruit.
- A fertile heart sustains life (Matthew 13:23)
A heart that is fertile is one that readily accepts the Gospel seed and does the hard work of nurturing it to grow. This heart is one that is open to the Truth of God’s Word and open to the transformation that will take place. This heart is made ready by the prompting of the Holy Spirit AND the participation of the individual. This heart does not just experience growth for themselves, but actually impacts those around them.
Healthy soil is where seeds have the most opportunity to grow into life giving plants, trees, etc… For instance, a single healthy apple tree can bear enough fruit to feed dozens of people. It’s shade gives rest to those who pass by on hot days.
It’s flowers nourish thousands of pollinators every spring. And it’s seed spreads and multiplies into an immeasurable amount of other apple trees over the course of its lifetime.
Conclusion: What kind of soil describes your heart today?
Are you indifferent to the good news of Jesus Christ? Are you needing to spend some time on the condition of your heart so that the seed of the gospel can grow deep and healthy roots? Are you distracted? Are there too many things in your life clamoring for your attention and care?
If you’ve ever had an earthly garden you know the effort it takes to grow and sustain life in the garden. It’s no different with the eternal garden of your heart where the divine seeds of the gospel and the kingdom are trying to grow. They need healthy soil and consistent care.
What can you do this next week to strengthen the soil of your heart?
● Dedicated time in prayer.
● Removal of distractions, no TV, no sleeping in too late, no social media.
● Dedicated time every morning in the Word.
● Meet with a pastor or church leader to discuss past hurts that are presently hindering your growth.
