Matthew 13:1-23 The Parable of the Sower

The reason Jesus spoke in parables has to do with understanding. Understanding is not only the ability to process information, but the desire to comprehend it and the will to submit to it.  The scribes and Pharisees had no desire to make Jesus' teachings their own and much less the will to submit to them. They were following him to find a way to bring him down. Due to the figurative nature of a parable, if one is to understand it, one must take time to comprehend it to then submit to it. Quoting Isaiah, Jesus explains that lack of understanding is the curse for those who have set their hearts and wills against God's words.

The Parable of the Sower uses different types of soils to illustrate what it means to understand the word of God. Jesus uses four different kinds of soil: the soil along the path, the soil with rocks, the soil with thorns, and the good soil. The good soil is the only one that produces fruit according to its capacity or potential because it is the only one that understood the word of God. Understanding (head and heart; desire and will) the word of God results in fruitfulness in his kingdom to our potential. We could look at the other soils as illustrations of circumstances that prevent understanding in contrast with the good soil. 

The soil along the path is compact due to people walking over it. Good soil is loose. The word of God cannot penetrate such soil and the devil is quick to snatch it away. There are people who have hardened hearts caused by bad experiences in life. They have hardened their hearts as a means to protect themselves from the world, but they have closed themselves even to God's word; there is no understanding. Soil like this needs tilling before seed can be planted.

The rocky soil is the shallow soil because the rocks are in the way. Good soil is deep. The word of God springs up in shallow soil but when the storms of life come: tribulation or persecution, there are no roots to sustain it; it falls away; there is no understanding. These are people who may like the kingdom but are not willing to count the cost of following Jesus. They are not willing to carry their cross to follow. Soil like this needs to be cleared of the rocks first before seed can be planted.

The soil with thorns is the busy soil. Good soil is free. The word of God springs up in the busy soil but is quickly choked by the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches; there is no understanding. These are people who are too busy working and making a living that they have no time for the kingdom. Their hearts are divided and cannot devote themselves solely to God. Soil like this needs to be cleared of the thorns before seed can be planted.

Father, till my heart, clear it of rocks, and uproot its thorns so that I may understand your word. Help me flourish and produce fruit a hundredfold in your kingdom for your glory and honor forever.