Sermon Devotional: The Parable of the Soils
Sermon Title: The Parable of the Soils
Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15 (ESV)And he said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:9
The Parable of the Soils is found in all three synoptic Gospels in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8. It is the only parable in the Gospels where Jesus offers the disciples a clear, parallel interpretation. Jesus wants his disciples to really, truly, fully understand this parable. Jesus says, “Listen!” “Pay attention because this is life!” The word for “hear” or “listen” occurs seven times in these twenty verses in Mark. To truly hear motivates one to obedience.
In today’s parable, Jesus tells those listening that the seeds are “the word” (Mk 4:14)—His Word—and the word is sown into four kinds of soil. The soil are the people who hear, but three of the soils yield no fruit while only one kind of soil produces an abundance. What makes for a good soil? Why are the three soils unreceptive to the seed sown?
Much time is spent considering the unreceptive soils, but let’s begin this reflection by considering the good soil. What is the condition of the good soil that produces abundance? Jesus tells the disciples that the seeds that fall into good soil “are the ones who hear the word and accept it” (Mk 4:20). Matthew says the “good soil is the one who hears the word and understands it” (Mt 13:23). Luke tells us that the good soil “are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience” (Lk 8:15).
The good soil are Jesus’ disciples who listen with “the eyes of the heart” (Eph. 1:18). They hear and obey with “an undivided heart” (Ps 86:11) received as a grace-gift from the Lord their God. When they hear the word, they “accept it” (Mk 4:20) as true; they believe what Jesus says about who he is and what is required of his disciples. These believe that Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life” (Jn 14:6) — Jesus is the one and only way to true life, “abundant life” (Jn 10:10). These disciples enter through Jesus the “gate” (Jn 10:9) and know that Jesus himself is the one and only “Good Shepherd” (Jn 10:11) of their souls.
In contrast to the good soil, there are three soils that produce no fruit. The seed sown “along the path” (Mk 4:15) doesn’t have a chance. Trampled hard by footfalls of countless travelers, the seed just sits on top of the path. Hungry birds find an easy meal (v. 3) and “Satan immediately comes and takes away the word” (Mk 4:15). “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (Jn 10:10). The hardness of the soil and the hardness of heart makes one unreceptive to Jesus, the Word, and to the mercies of his Gospel.
The word sown “on rocky ground” (Mk 4:6) has a hope of a beginning and hearers of the Good News “immediately receive it with joy” (Mk 4:16). Every gardener knows that to survive and thrive the seed must grow deep. But rocky soil is the unreceptive soil. Hearing the Good News may bring relief and joy to those weary in life’s struggles. However, many people turned away from Jesus when he made clear the cost of discipleship. “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him” (Jn 6:66).
The seed sown “among thorns” (Mk 4:18) faces the most insidious dangers. “The cares of the world,” “the deceitfulness of riches,” and “the desires for other things” (Mk 4:19) are the thorns that we face each and every day. “As they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature” (Lk 8:14). What worries you? What do you fear? Do you believe that wealth is better, more godly, than poverty? What “harmless” desires or “pleasures” distract you from devotion to Jesus? The seed among thorns grows and even looks like it is thriving for a time. But fruitfulness is a “long journey in the same direction.” Detours and distractions may seem insignificant at the time; however, they inevitably “enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (v. 19).
How do we take care to become good soil that receives the word with joy and also grows to maturity as disciples of Jesus? First, “It is by grace that you are saved through faith” (Eph 2:8). It is Jesus at work in us. Second, every day, every hour, we must sit at Jesus’ feet and listen with the eyes of our hearts. Third, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (Ja 1:22).
Consider –
╬ The seed planted among thorns is choked by three things: the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of wealth, and desires for other things—other things than knowing and being known by Jesus. Which of these three are the most dangerous to your spiritual growth today?
╬ We all need to be heard. Who do you know who is a good listener? One who really listens to what you are saying, leans into your heart, and seeks to understand you? Tell them “thank you” and seek to be a good listener to others also.
╬ Lord Jesus, you tell us to listen carefully to your Word. We are distractable people and we need God the Spirit to help us fix our eyes and our hearts upon you. Help us, triune God. We worship you and pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.