This is the first full parable Jesus told. He had used all kinds of illustrations before this. But when the people around him began to openly reject him, he used parables or stories which could only be understood by those whose eyes and ears were open to what he was saying. This parable of the sower is given to us by Matthew, Mark and Luke. The story of the sower is a wonderful picture of missionary work. In fact it covers all kinds of evangelism wherever the gospel is given out. The harvest does not always depend on the sower nor on the seed, but on the nature and response of the soil on which it falls. The first seed fell on earth which could have been different. (Was it the same kind of soil as elsewhere in the field?) Instead of opening its heart to the seed, the soil refused to allow it to enter. The soil was hard and Christ said the seed lay on top. In the spiritual sense, Satan was able to take away the seed before it could possibly take root. In the same way Christ carefully explained each type of soil. Don't you find encouragement as a Christian in this story? The seed was sown in four places but only one place really gave the harvest that was looked for. Even in the good soil the harvest varied (see Mark 4:8). Your harvest will vary and it will not always be your fault. There has to be a response on the part of the hearers too. But, thank God, if we are faithful in sowing the seed, God will see to it that there will be an eternal harvest. A PRAYER: Lord, help me to be faithful in sowing the good seed today.
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