THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER - TABLE

A Parable is expressed, in a story like format. It communicates a deeper truth. It is only with Jesus’ help do we realize the depth of understanding that ordinarily could go without being understood.

I pray, ‘On Master, grant me the grace to understand, for it is my desire to Know You and Love You with all of my heart’.

Jesus explains the parable to His Disciples. The seed is God’s Word, the Good News.

In the Parable of the Sower, the Sower goes out into his field to sow seed. As he scatters the seed across the land: Jesus in this parable judges the fate of the seed, His Word.

Some seed fall on the path and the birds feed on it. 

So, too, with the hearer who does not understand God’s Word: the prowler-the devil devours.

Some seeds fall on rocky ground. It readily springs up as there is no soil. But the sun scorches them down and since they have no root they wither away. 

So also, the hearer has a joyous reaction to God’s Word but when on account of the Word he is tested, he falls.

Other seeds fell upon thorns. The cares and allure of the world choke the Word.

Finally, Other seeds, fall on good soil.

The yield was a thirtyfold, some sixtyfold and some a hundredfold. The outcomes differ.

Jesus indicates that this parable contains the key for unlocking all the parables when He says, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?” 

So, by understanding this parable, we will be more able to understand the other parables of Jesus.

This parable is about understanding the Word of God.

Unless one clears oneself of all the blockages such as the rocky ground and the thorns that this parable signifies, he will not be able to understand any parables, or any teachings of Christ.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER – RSV
	Matthew 13:3-9	Mark 4:2-9	Luke 8:4-8
The Path	And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.	And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it.	And as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it.
Rocky Ground	Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away.	Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it had not much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil; and when the sun rose it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away.	And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
Among Thorns	Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.	Other seed fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain.	And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it.
Good Soil	Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.	And other seeds fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”	And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.”

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER explained – RSV
	Matthew13:19-23	Mark 4:15-19	Luke 8:12-15

The Path	When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path.	And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown; when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which is sown in them.	The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved.
Rocky Ground	As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.	And these in like manner are the ones sown upon rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.	And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
Among Thorns	As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.	And others are the ones sown among thorns; they are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the delight in riches, and the desire for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.	And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.
Good Soil	As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”	But those that were sown upon the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”	And as for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bring forth fruit with patience.

 JMJ

Please continue to read The Beatitudes - Part 1.