Parables of Grace: Embrace God’s Love for YouSample

The Sower: Grace to Those Who Have Ears to Hear

I do not have a green thumb. But I have planted tomatoes with great success. I love watching them grow. It makes me so happy when I finally pick that first tomato and take that first bite. There is great satisfaction in watching something you plant grow and flourish.

Jesus often used agrarian images in his parables. According to New Testament scholar Darrell Bock, the Parable of the Sower in Luke 8:1-15 could have easily been renamed the Parable of the Seed Among Different Kinds of Soil. As Jesus explained, the different kinds of soil represent hearers who receive the seed in various ways. The seed is the Word of God. There is power in the Word that begins like a seed but can produce new life of the Kingdom of God.

In Stories with Intent, New Testament theologian Klyne Snodgrass wrote that “The kingdom is a kingdom of the word; it involves a proclamation about God and God’s purposes and actions. Language creates a world, and the proclamation of the kingdom makes a new reality available. This is precisely what is happening with Jesus’ preaching. The kingdom was being made a reality.”

There is a decision to be faced when the Word is preached. The seeds fall upon four types of soil: the path, rocky ground, thorny soil, and good soil (Luke 8:5-8). The soil represents the variety of responses to God’s Word.

First, consider the seed that fell on the path only to be trampled upon or eaten by birds (Luke 8:5, 12). This seed didn’t make it very long. What are some things in your life situation right now that make it difficult for you to receive the Word of God? How can you “relocate” yourself to a place where you’re not feeling trampled upon or as susceptible to negative influences that could lessen the impact of God’s Word in your heart?

Second, the seed that fell on the rocky soil grew but then withered during times of testing because the ground was too dry (Luke 8:6, 13). Perhaps you are feeling like your faith is being stretched right now. How can you get more “water” for your soul?

Third, consider the seed that fell among thorns (Luke 8:7). This represents the situation where the hearers believe, but the Word’s impact and potential for flourishing are “choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and [the seeds] do not mature” (Luke 8:14). What are some ways you can cultivate your “longing for” God in the midst of your life situation?

Finally, the seed that fell on good soil yielded a crop “a hundred times more than was sown” (Luke 8:8). In Jesus’ context, the average yield of fields was 3.75-fold to 7.5-fold, and the average yield of individual seeds was 7.5 to 33-fold.

Jesus sees the transformation of disciples who hear the Word, believe, and persevere in their faith to bear much more fruit than expected.

Even though you may experience small beginnings, setbacks along the way, or severe opposition, God will accomplish what He has promised in your life and bring forth His kingdom.

Prayer: Inhale slowly and pray, “Search my heart, O God.” Then exhale slowly and pray, “Lead me in the way everlasting.” Repeat this breath prayer several times, allowing it to become a meditation that you can return to.