Storyteller: The Parables of JesusSample

The Dangerous Soil (Part 1: The Parable of the Sower)

The Parable of the Sower is the first recorded parable of Jesus and is said to be one of the most important and foundational because, like any good story, it contains the origin of the Kingdom of God. In it we glimpse how the Kingdom comes, how we enter it, and how it enters us!

Jesus is nearing the end of His earthly ministry, though the disciples do not yet realize it. Therefore, He uses seven interconnected parables throughout Matthew 13:1-52 to remind them of the enduring nature of His kingdom and the importance of living as its citizens to authenticate it.

The Kingdom of God is a complex spiritual concept, yet Jesus wants to make it accessible to His followers and to those considering becoming one. But He says the Kingdom comes to those who truly hear (Matthew 13:16, ESV). The entire parable can be summed up in the word hear, which appears nineteen times throughout Matthew 13. However, there is only one right way to listen and many wrong ways.

In another gospel, Jesus cautions His listeners to “Consider carefully how you listen” (Luke 8:18, ESV).

Elsewhere in Scripture, we are told, “Faith comes through hearing, and hearing the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, ESV). This truth is key to everything. We hear many things around us, but whatever we choose to listen to will shape us. Where our thoughts flow, our lives inevitably go.

This may seem obvious, but it is actually a bit more complicated than we think. As much as we hope to go in the right direction, our flesh often tries to lead us elsewhere. To avoid this, we must choose to actively listen to the truth, absorb it, comprehend it, and then put it into practice.

Matthew 13:11 makes it clear that Jesus’ parables contain the secrets of the Kingdom, and these are revealed only to those who are considering or have already placed their confidence in Him as King over their lives. The Holy Spirit’s role is to reveal these mysteries exclusively to believers whose hearts are sincere, whose eyes are open, and whose ears are ready to hear. For others who wish to remain their own kings, their ears are closed, and, sadly, they will be unable to access the Kingdom or understand Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 13:10-17).

You may be wondering about the purpose behind these veiled stories. Jesus’ aim is not to condemn or exclude anyone from hearing His message, nor to make it unclear. But the reality is that some people do not want to hear; they are simply unresponsive to God’s truth or choose to reject it altogether. Instead, Jesus gives several reasons for teaching in parables: to fulfill prophecy, to spark curiosity, and to awaken and grow our hearts’ capacity to receive what He has to say, cultivating an increased desire for more. It is a slow but worthwhile process.

Understanding this will help us grasp the meaning of the Parable of the Sower. In this parable, three types of soil represent three various heart conditions that are bent on death and destruction. In contrast, only one kind of healthy soil leads to a fruitful life and entrance into God’s Kingdom.

Please do not be discouraged if the soil of your heart is not where you hope it would be. If you are willing, soil can change. Jesus, our gracious Farmer, stands ready to tend to your heart, to cultivate it and make it new.

So, are you ready?

Prayer

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3, ESV)

Jesus, thank You that You are faithful to hear me and reveal Your truth to my heart. Increase my understanding of You. Amen.