JULY 11, 2023 – THE SECRET OF THE SOWER

READ: Mark 4:1-20

But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear  the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred. – Mark 4:20 

The large crowd listening to Jesus includes His family. But does this mean they will be saved and belong to God’s kingdom? The Lord Jesus will now test them. Do they see Him purely as a miracle worker or as the Christ who preaches the gospel of the Kingdom, for which forgiveness of sins is necessary? Jesus uses parables and riddles to do this. Their story refers to something that is not easily understood beca­­use it is hidden: a ‘mystery.’ Only if you see the connection can you understand the meaning of that mystery. 

Thus, the parable of the Sower can only be understood if people accept Jesus as their Saviour from their sins. This parable is about Jesus: He is the Sower, spreading God’s Word of forgiveness and redemption. The people are listening to Him, but do they accept it? Do they apply His words to themselves and to Jesus? 

The parable continues: some of the seed falls on a footpath instead of onto the ground. Therefore it cannot grow, and the birds pick it up. These people hear Jesus’ words, but the gospel does not affect them. They will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Another portion of the seed falls on rocky ground: it grows quickly and there is much joy in this growth. But then it fails; they cannot endure and give up. 

A third part falls on ground where thorns grow: the worries and troubles of the world choke faith. The fourth part falls on good soil. The gospel is accepted and takes root, deepening. There is growth in faith that expects everything from the Lord and therefore can withstand difficulties and worries. And so there is flourishing with fruits of faith and abundant blessings.

How do you apply this parable to yourself?

Singing: Ps. 126:2