First we see that there was a sower. Jesus was telling His disciples this parable to describe their purpose. The sower’s purpose in the parable may seem small but he can teach us all something. He sowed the seed on all kinds of soil, not discriminating between the soils. He did not look at the thorns and pass by. His purpose was solely to sow the seed that had been given to him. He did not bring forth the increase. The interaction between the seed and the soil is what made it grow or die. We should strive to be like this sower and tell everyone, not discriminating against anyone, and let the powerful word of God act upon their heart.
Secondly, we see the attitudes correspond to the description of each soil. One soil totally refused the seed; one partially accepted it, but that wasn’t enough; one accepted and when the going got rough, then the seed is refused; and finally the good soil accepted it, and let it take root. We must all prepare out hearts to fully accept the word when it’s sown, and then let it take root, letting it dwell in us and abound. This is the only way we will be found acceptable to God. It is the only way the seed can take root.
“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside” (Matt. 13:18). We must keep watch for the evil one; we must be careful not to stumble once we’ve received the word. “But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Matt. 13:19-22). We must not let the cares of this world over take us. God has promised to take care of all those who follow Him. In Matthew 6, Jesus tells His apostles not to worry about what to eat or wear. If we follow Him He will provide. This is not telling us to sit and do nothing, but not to let worries control our lives. “He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matt. 13:23). Let our love for God, and the keeping of His commandments rule our lives. This is how we become the good soil.
As the sower, we learn that nothing we do brings forth increase. We do not convert people. The word of God is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. In the end it comes down to the word and the heart. If the heart accepts the word then it brings forth the increase. If the person so chooses, the word will grow and abound. We should all strive to be like the sower, and also let the word of God grow in our own hearts.
Jeremy Ferguson