Matthew 13:3-9, NIV “…A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown…” 

Jesus explains the parable in verses 18-23: “Listen then to what the Parable of the Sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

(Also found in Luke 8:4-15)

This parable demonstrates that not only must good seed – the Word of God, the truth – be sown, but chiefly that the attitude of the heart – the ground which receives the seed – must be good. The story is about the different reactions people have when they hear the message. 

The wayside/some fell along the path illustrates hard, compacted earth, that is, a heart that is hard and solid with selfishness and would need repeated plowing to open the heart to receive the message. Hosea 10:12 (NIV), “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground….”

The stony ground/rocky places may appear to have good soil for growth, but there are rocks underneath. So, there are those who have an appearance of depth, seeming to receive truth with great joy and enthusiasm. But when they learn there is sacrifice and persecution and tribulation that goes along with the truth, they are surprised. They become thoroughly disheartened, and their interest speedily dies out. Like a young plant in rocky soil, the roots are shallow. At the first sign of trials or persecution, they shrivel up with fear and discouragement. 

The third class of hearers is referred to as “thorny ground.” This does not mean the ground is poor, as thorns can grow in rich ground as well as poor. These are they who allow the snares and difficulties of life to absorb their time, their talents, their influence. Some seek wealth, allowing weeds, to creep in via jobs or earthly pleasures to crowd out the things of the Lord. The message of the gospel is crowded out by things that distract them from following Jesus. Examples can be chasing money, success, possessions, or popularity on social media. The “ground” in their hearts may be good, but unfortunately there are other things growing there. The thorns must be removed so that the message can grow and produce “good fruit.” Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and dust destroy, and where thieves and steal; but lay up…treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor dust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be.”

The “good ground/good soil” represents the hearts of those who truly accept God’s message, follow Jesus at any cost and are completely devoted to God. They produce the “fruit of the spirit” in abundance as described in Galatians 5:22-23. They are free from thorns and ready to bring forth an abundant harvest. How can we cultivate “good soil” in our hearts for God’s message to take root? Start a relationship with God. Pray tonight before you go to sleep. Start by telling God everything you are thankful for! Study the Bible and become familiar with God’s word and His people. Memorize your favorite scriptures and the order of the books of the Bible. Develop an attitude of reverence, meaning, deep respect, for God, Jesus and the Bible. Tell others about God’s kingdom. This will give them hope and possibly inspire them to learn more about Him and His plan!

The sower is initially our Lord Jesus who opened up “a new and living way,” Hebrews 10:20. And then it would be all his followers who imitate him. For he said, “Go ye and make disciples of all the nations in my name, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you,” Matthew 28:19,20.

Additional Resource:
For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: “What does the parable of the sower mean?”