Jesus Explains the Parable of the Sower to His disciples.
The first soil represents a hardened heart, completely resistant and unable to receive God’s word. The second soil reflects a fearful heart that initially receives the word with joy but quickly falls away when trials arise. The third soil depicts a heart more devoted to the temporary riches of this world than the eternal treasures of God’s kingdom, producing no fruit. In contrast, the fourth soil is distinct in its quality—it symbolizes a heart that trusts, reveres, and loves God, bearing abundant fruit and yielding exponentially according to its faithfulness.
The parallel Gospel accounts for Mark 4:14-20 are Matthew 13:18-23 and Luke 8:11-15.
In Mark 4:13-20, Jesus interprets the Parable of the Sower for His disciples. A more descriptive name for this parable might be “The Parable of the Four Soils.”
He (Jesus) opens His interpretation with a pair of rhetorical questions. His questions are addressed to you (His disciples)—(Mark 4:10).
And He said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables?’ (v 13).
In the first rhetorical question Jesus expresses surprise at the disciples’ lack of understanding regarding the Parable of the Sower.
The implied response to the first rhetorical question—Do you not understand this parable?—is: “No we do not understand the meaning of this parable, even though we should be able to understand it.”
The second question implies that this particular parable holds foundational significance.
The implied response to the second rhetorical question—How will you understand all the parables?—is: “If we do not understand this parable, we will not be able to understand any of the parables Jesus teaches.”
In other words, if Jesus’s followers fail to grasp the meaning of the Parable of the Sower, they are likely to struggle to comprehend His other teachings and/or parables.
Jesus frequently used parables to veil spiritual truths from those with hardened hearts (Mark 4:11-12), but He expected His disciples to seek deeper understanding. His question carries a rebuke, but also an invitation—He desires that His followers press in and seek clarification. This desire and principle reflects the broader biblical theme that spiritual insight is granted to those who earnestly seek it (Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7-8).
The thrust of Jesus’s questions suggests that the Parable of the Sower functions as a key to interpreting His other parables. The imagery of seed, soil, and fruitfulness provides a paradigm for how God’s word interacts with the human heart. If the disciples do not grasp the principles of spiritual receptivity, growth, and opposition found in this parable, they will likely struggle to understand the dynamics of the kingdom that Jesus continually teaches.
As Jesus will explain as He interprets this parable, the Parable of the Sower/Four Soils reinforces the idea that knowledge of God is not merely intellectual but requires a heart receptive to His word. People are unable to see and hear God, not because of their intellectual difficulties, but rather they are unable to see and hear God because of their impure hearts, clogged with pride.
Ultimately, Mark 4:13 points to the necessity of both divine revelation and human responsiveness. Jesus’s disciples had been granted the privilege of hearing the secrets of the kingdom (Mark 4:11), yet they still needed to engage with His teaching intentionally.
Jesus’s rhetorical questions challenges believers today to examine their own spiritual perception—are we merely hearing the Word, or are we striving to understand and apply it? (James 1:22). True discipleship involves not only listening to Jesus’ words but actively seeking His wisdom and putting His teaching into action so that His truth may take root and bear fruit in our lives.
After addressing the disciples' question about the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:10-12), Jesus went on to interpret it and its elements. Thisparable is distinctive as one of the few occasions where Scripture includes Jesus’s own explanation. His interpretation may serve as a reminder to readers: “If you lack understanding of the parables, it may encourage a personal reflection on the condition of the soil of your heart.”
Thisparable addresses the state of the human heart in relation to the kingdom of God (Mark 4:11). Since the kingdom of God belongs to believers, the Parable of the Sower, while indirectly relevant to unbelievers, is primarily directed at those who have received the Gift of Eternal Life through faith in Jesus (John 3:16).
The entrance to this kingdom is through faith in Jesus (John 3:5, 14-16). Only those who believe in Him may enter. However, obedience to God's will is also required of believers to enter the kingdom (Matthew 7:21). Entering the kingdom is a vital aspect of a faithful believer’s eternal inheritance—often referred to as “the Prize of Eternal Life.”
In essence, in the Parable of the Sower, believers are portrayed as either faithful and bearing fruit or unfaithful due to doubts, fears, or worldly desires.
As Jesus explains, the common elements of this parable are—the sower and the seed. The sower is the same in each scenario. The seed is the same in each scenario. But the condition of the soils and the outcomes are different.
The sower sows the word (v 14).
The sower is the one who casts and distributes the seed. Sowing is the act of casting or planting seeds. Literally speaking, a sower is someone who plants seed in the earth in expectation that the seeds he sows will take root and grow and produce a good crop. Sowing is the act of casting or planting seeds.
The seed, in this parable, represents the word or teachings of God. The seed is the core message, truth, and goodness of God’s word. In Luke’s telling of this parable, Jesus says: “the seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). The word of God includes Jesus’s teachings about the kingdom of God (Mark 4:11).
Figuratively speaking, the sower is anyone who teaches (sows) God’s word or teaches accurately about His kingdom.
This parable concerns the human heart. In Matthew’s account, Jesus describes how the word “has been sown in his heart” (Matthew 13:19b). Therefore, the four soils represent four conditions of the human heart—especially four conditions of the believer’s heart.
Before continuing our discussion into Jesus’s explanation of the Four Soils, it would be good to briefly explain what the kingdom of God is and what the Bible says about the heart.
The Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is a Hellenized version of the Jewish term “kingdom of heaven.”
“Kingdom of heaven” is used exclusively in Matthew, which was a Gospel written to Jews. “Kingdom of God” was a more fitting term for Roman and Greek Gentiles, because it stressed that this kingdom was the kingdom of the One True God as the King. There were numerous gods in the Greek and Roman pantheon. To their pagan ears, “kingdom of heaven” could easily be misunderstood as the “kingdom of the gods” or a functional equivalent to their mythological concept of “Mount Olympus” where all the gods were said to live. Therefore, the Gospels of Mark and Luke converted Matthew’s “kingdom of heaven” to “kingdom of God” for their respective Roman and Greek audiences.
There are multiple senses to the term Kingdom of God.
It can refer to the Messianic kingdom promised to Israel. Jesus was the Messiah who came to offer this kingdom to the Jews (Matthew 4:17). But as predicted (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53), the Jews rejected Him as their King and Messiah. But then God, through Jesus, opened His kingdom to the Gentiles, which was also foretold (Isaiah 49).
The kingdom of God can also refer to the spiritual reality of God’s authority over all things.
To enter the kingdom of heaven one must:
Be “born again” i.e. receive the Gift of Eternal Life by faith in Jesus.
“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’” (John 3:5)
Live and do God’s will by faith.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” (Matthew 7:21)
To enter the kingdom, one must receive the Gift of Eternal Life and Inherit the Prize of Eternal Life.
The Gift of Eternal Life is received by believing that Jesus is the Christ and Son of God, and trust that His life, death, and resurrection have the power to save you. Those who receive the Gift of Eternal Life are forgiven of their sins (Ephesians 1:7), will live forever (John 11:25), and are born into God’s eternal family (John 1:12).
The Gift of Eternal Life is freely offered by grace alone. And it is received by faith alone.
The Prize of Eternal Life is the reward or inheritance a believer receives for following the teachings and example of Jesus by faith. Entering the kingdom is a major part of the Prize of Eternal Life and one of the rewards for overcoming life’s trials by faith.
Because this parable concerns the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:11, Mark 4:11, Luke 8:10), and only believers may enter the kingdom, this parable chiefly concerns believers and only incidentally concerns non-believers.
The Heart
The heart is the essence of a person’s character. A person’s choices are made in their heart. And a person’s daily choices often reflect the disposition of their heart:
“As in water a face reflects face, So the heart of a man reflects man.” (Proverbs 27:19)
Throughout Scripture, the heart is depicted as the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23), influencing one's affections, fears, and allegiances (Psalm 119:10; Proverbs 3:5, 28:14; Romans 10:10). The greatest commandment of the Mosaic Law concerns the heart (Deuteronomy 6:5).
The heart profoundly impacts a person's receptivity to messages, influencing their thoughts and attitudes. A closed heart makes it challenging for the mind to entertain opposing viewpoints (Titus 1:15).
Jesus taught that the reason people do not understand Him is because their hearts are dull (Matthew 13:12-15). Their hearts have programmed their ears and eyes to not see the reality of God’s goodness or the badness of their own sin.
Therefore, the concept of a pure heart is crucial. A heart that is pure is one that prioritizes trust, reverence, and love for God above everything else. Jesus affirms this in Matthew 5:8, declaring that those with a pure heart will have the privilege of seeing God. Ultimately, every person faces three fundamental choices:
who or what to trust or rely on
what perspective, attitude, or mindset to adopt
what actions to take
At its core, the Parable of the Sower illustrates how the heart's chosen perspective determines the growth and fruitfulness of God's seed.
JESUS’S INTERPRETATION
In Jesus's telling of the parable (Mark 4:1-9), He specifies four types of soil where the sower's seed may fall:
beside the road (v 4)
the rocky ground where it did not have much soil (v 5)
among the thorns (v 7)
the good soil (v 8)
Likewise, there were four literal outcomes that corresponded to the four soils:
the birds came and ate the seed (v 4)
because the seed had no root, it withered away (v 5)
the thorns grew up around it and choked it (v 7)
the seed yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold (v 8)
In this passage, Jesus clarifies the symbolic meaning of these circumstances as they relate to His kingdom.
The seed represents the word of God, conveying its message and teachings about the kingdom. The sower signifies those who share the good news, declaring its truths. The act of scattering the seed illustrates how people receive the kingdom’s gospel, encompassing various aspects of kingdom teaching, including moral conduct, relationships, life priorities, forgiveness, and discernment—key themes that Jesus elaborates on in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).
The four types of soil illustrate different heart conditions that receive the word of God. Just as the various soils produce different results for the seed in the literal sense, they also lead to distinct spiritual outcomes in the parable’s symbolic meaning.
The First Type of Soil
“These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them” (v 15).
The first scenario represents hearts that do not trust Jesus. Here, Jesus compares the seeds that fell beside the road to those who have heard the word of God but do not receive it with faith. Just as the seed remains on the surface and never takes root, the word does not penetrate these hardened hearts.
Once God'sword is rejected and theseed remains beside the road, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. It is important to note that the sequence begins with the individual's rejection of God’s word due to a hardened heart, followed by Satantaking away the seed.
This sequence reflects God's design in granting individuals the freedom to choose whether to trust Him. It also underscores the reality that choices carry consequences. When a person rejects God, Satan is then able to—and ultimately will—remove the seed of God’s word from their hardened heart, preventing them from believing and receiving salvation.
This parable mainly addresses the condition of the heart and the role of both unfaithful and faithful believers within the kingdom. If unbelievers are included in the Parable of the Sower, they are generally represented by the first type of soil, along with believers whose hearts have become hardened.
The last three scenarios appear to focus solely on believers. The second and third types of soil illustrate two additional groups of unfaithful believers, whereas the fourth type of soil signifies faithful believers.
But how could a believer have a hardened heart, one that is infertile and resistant to receiving the word of God? The answer is simple. A believer can adopt the mindset that they know best and can handle things on their own. With this attitude, they become unreceptive to correction, which is a vital part of the word of God. The Bible describes itself as a tool for teaching and correction:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Those who place trust in their own self-sufficiency—even those who have received the Gift of Eternal Life—shut themselves off from the idea that they need to learn from God. Those who focus on justifying themselves resist correction, and those who rely on their own wisdom reject reproof. This kind of attitude keeps the heart closed to receiving the word of God. Believers have the choice to walk in the Spirit, but they also have the ability to walk in the flesh and sow to the flesh (Galatians 5:13; 6:8).
The book of 1 John was clearly written to believers. Its opening chapter describes the self-inflicted consequences believers impose upon themselves when they reject God’s word:
“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us… If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8, 10)
According to John, believers who deny their own sin are deceived. They live and act outside of reality. They oppose their Savior. And His word is not in their hearts.
The only remedies for hard-heartedness are humility and repentance:
“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Humility and Repentance soften the hard soil of our hearts and enable us to receive God’s word. If we believe and trust God’s word, we will be saved from the poison of our pride and will be able to seek His kingdom and righteousness (Luke 8:12).
The state of the soil we present to God ultimately depends on the condition of our hearts.
The Second Type of Soil
“In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away” (vv 16-17).
The second scenario, the rocky places, describes hearts that fear men more than God. In this situation, Jesus explains that a person hears the word and at first receives it with joy. However, this joy is short-lived, as it fades when faced with affliction or persecution. The seeds in the rocky places sprout at first, but without a deep root, they wither and fall away due to the lack of moisture before they can bear fruit.
These hearts are initially filled with joy upon hearing the good news of the kingdom of God. Unlike the hardened soil beside the road, these hearts are open and responsive, embracing the sower’s message right away. However, their joy fades quickly because they lack a firm root. The rocky places make the believer susceptible to temptations, trials, and the challenges that come with following Jesus, ultimately leading them to fall away from God when their faith is tested.
The fear of affliction or persecution is a common vulnerability for many hearts. Jesus consistently urged His disciples to find their strength and security in Him, especially when facing such fears. A widespread fear among all people is the fear of rejection. The shallow soil may eagerly seek God's blessings and find joy in them, but it struggles to endure rejection from others and the world. This fear ultimately prevents the believer from fully walking in God's ways, causing them to falter when their faith is tested.
The Bible often highlights the abundant rewards that await those who faithfully bear witness to Jesus and endure rejection, which can feel like a form of death. Death, in this sense, signifies separation, and experiencing rejection and loss of relationship can indeed feel like the emotional death of severed connections. Yet, this is the essence of a vibrant testimony.
The Greek word often translated as "witness" or "testimony" is the root of the English word "martyr," illustrating that bearing faithful witness for Jesus leads to the greatest fruitfulness and the highest reward in life. Jesus frequently spoke of this trial, and several examples from His teachings emphasize this truth:
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna].” (Matthew 10:28)
The Bible often speaks to painful circumstances and encourages believers to endure faithfully. Hearts that succumb to the temptation to focus on immediate trials can lose sight of the future joy that awaits them if they persevere faithfully (Hebrews 12:1). When someone fixates on suffering instead of the promised reward, they bear no fruit and lose sight of their divine calling and their identity as citizens of the kingdom (2 Peter 1:8-11). This mindset causes them to overlook the fact that the authenticity of their faith is far more valuable than gold (1 Peter 1:7).
Strangely, they are caught off guard by the rocky trials and fiery ordeals, forgetting that as they share in Christ's sufferings, they will also share in His glory when it is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13, Romans 8:17-18). They focus only on the joy of God's kingdom but dread the narrow gate of affliction and persecution through which God calls them to enter His kingdom (James 1:2-8, Matthew 5:10-12, 7:13-14).
The author of Hebrews warns against hearts resembling rocky soil:
“For you...accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.” (Hebrews 10:34-35)
This passage in Hebrews speaks directly to believers who understand that they possess “a better possession and a lasting one” in heaven. They are urged not to “throw away [their] confidence,” as doing so would lead to the loss of a “great reward.” It highlights someone who, at first, joyfully accepts God's word and faces hardships faithfully, but who eventually begins to waver. In Galatians, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to continue steadfastly and “not lose heart in doing good,” reminding them that they will ultimately “reap” a full reward in heaven (Galatians 6:9).
Suffering, and the fear of suffering, often lead many hearts to lose their joy because they lack a strong foundation. Lasting joy depends on being deeply rooted in the power of Jesus and His Spirit, which enables one to endure the temporary trials of life. Notice that this heart initially receives the word with joy, but it quickly falls away when faced with affliction. Its response is temporary, lacking the enduring perspective and strength that only God can offer. Instead, it remains rooted in worldly rewards, unable to stand firm through challenges.
Contrary to popular belief, affliction and persecution do not inherently destroy joy. In fact, they can become occasions for joy for those who are firmly rooted in Christ (Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 4:4; James 1:2-5).
However, adopting and maintaining this perspective requires a conscious decision of the heart. It involves recognizing that God's ways are best for us, regardless of our present circumstances.
This is why James encourages believers to "Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials" (James 1:2). By embracing the view that everything allowed into our lives by God ultimately serves our growth and benefit, we cultivate a fertile heart. On the other hand, when we prioritize immediate gratification, we resemble the rocky places, lacking the depth needed for lasting roots to grow.
The remedies for the fearful and timid heart of rocky soil are perspective and perseverance.
It is to care more about God’s opinion of what is right and who you are than what other people think is right and say about you (Matthew 10:28).
And it is to hold onto the joy that is set before us as we endure present shame for following God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
The Third Type of Soil
“And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (vv 18-19).
The third scenario, where the seed is sown among the thorns, represents hearts that are preoccupied with the fleeting rewards of this world, overshadowing the eternal rewards promised by God.
Jesus compares the seed sown among the thorns to those who hear the word but let the worries of the world and the deceitfulness of riches strangle it. These seeds may struggle to grow, some failing to sprout at all due to the overwhelming presence of worldly concerns, while others may sprout briefly but are soon overtaken and choked by these unfruitful distractions. In the end, these hearts become unfruitful.
The thorns in the parable represent the temptations to chase after riches, worldly worries, and desires for other things. These pursuits may seem enticing but ultimately offer hollow promises, filled with deceit. The world often portrays riches as the ultimate measure of success and fulfillment, but this view is misleading. The heart depicted by the thorny soil has misunderstood the true value of riches. While God does desire for His people to be prosperous, He makes it clear that the true path to lasting riches is found through His word—the sown seed.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses the Laodicean church, saying:
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.” (Revelation 3:17-18)
Here, Jesus highlights the Laodiceans' mistaken belief in their own material wealth, which blinds them to their true spiritual poverty. He calls them to seek true riches through Him—spiritual wealth that comes from refining fire, symbolizing trials that purify one's faith. This serves as a stark reminder that worldly riches are deceptive and temporary, while spiritual riches, obtained through Christ, leads to eternal life and true fulfillment.
As Revelation 3 continues, Jesus instructs the Laodiceans to turn away from their self-reliance and recognize the true riches found in Him. He says, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19) Jesus emphasizes that repentance is necessary to find true riches, which He offers. He then invites them, saying, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). This invitation calls for a heart change—moving from worldly pursuits to receiving the true riches of a relationship with Christ.
True riches become attainable when we shift our focus to the enduring riches found in listening to the voice of Jesus and nurturing a deep relationship with Him, much like sharing a meal with close companions. To attain real riches, we must redirect our desires from the fleeting rewards of this world to the eternal treasures of the spiritual realm.
Solomon, known for his wisdom, describes the pursuit of wealth and worldly pleasures as vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 18). Likewise, Paul cautions that those focused on accumulating riches will find themselves consumed by ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9). The heart among the thorns is drawn to these lesser pursuits, forsaking the ultimate and perfect goodness God desires for them (1 John 2:16-17). They are akin to Esau, who traded his future inheritance for a mere bowl of soup (Hebrews 12:16).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages His followers not to be consumed by worries over worldly possessions but to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above all else (Matthew 6:25-34). He assures them that those who seek honor from men have already received their “reward in full” (Matthew 6:2). Additionally, He underscores the fleeting nature of worldly rewards, emphasizing their insignificance even if they are attained,
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
In this third scenario, among the thorns, Jesus explains that these thorns represent not just riches but also worries, or the “care of the world.” This idea encompasses concerns like seeking the world’s approval, striving to meet its definition of success, or conforming to its moral standards. These worries can trigger an anxious desire to align with what the world deems valuable, leading to pressures such as:
maintaining an "image" due to a desire for approval from others
conforming to societal expectations in order to gain acceptance
appearing to be a "good person" by aligning with whatever the culture defines as "good"
These worries lead to anxiety rather than fruitful outcomes. Societal morals and trends are ever-changing, but they can heavily influence one’s reputation or position in society (or even history).
The world’s standard of righteousness (“dikaiosune”) is constantly shifting. What is praised today could lead to condemnation (or "being cancelled") tomorrow. Pursuing the approval of worldly systems is ultimately futile, leaving one in disharmony and filled with anxiety. Those who chase after worldly accolades become entangled in its thorns, leading to unfruitfulness in relation to the kingdom of God.
What the world considers good or righteous is often deceptive. When people manage their image to gain approval, they are crafting a false impression in an attempt to control how others perceive them. However, we can never truly know what another person is thinking; we only imagine that we can predict their thoughts.
In reality, these quests for affirmation are merely the pursuit of a deceptive illusion, built upon a false presentation of oneself. This results in anxiety as individuals come to recognize the fragility and emptiness of their constructed image. The alternative, however, is to ground one’s life in the truth, leading to the fourth scenario: the good soil.
Worrying what the world thinks is good chokes out the pursuit of God and His kingdom and consequently leads to a barren, fruitless life.
The remedy for worrying about the rotten fruits and deceitful treasures this world offers is to remove the thorns. Stop caring about what the world thinks and start caring for what God thinks,
“Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
Exchange your sorrows and cares for the joy of the LORD and pursue the rest, the lasting treasure, and the sweet fruit that comes from knowing Jesus.
The Fourth Type of Soil
“And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold” (v 20).
In the final scenario of the Parable of the Sower, Jesus speaks of those on whom seed was sown on the good soil.
The good soil, representing a heart that is faithful and fertile for God's word, stands in stark contrast to the first three types of soil.
This heart trusts in God and is open to receiving His word, unlike the hardened heart of the first soil, where the seed never penetrates.
It also exhibits courage, enduring affliction and persecution with steadfastness, unlike the shallow heart of the second soil, which falters when faced with trials.
Moreover, the good heart prioritizes God's kingdom and forsakes worldly approval, choosing eternal rewards over earthly comforts, distinguishing it from the third soil, where worldly worries and desires choke the growth of the word.
Aside from its productivity, in Mark’s gospel, Jesus identifies two characteristics of the good soil—they hear the word and accept it.
The expression hear the word means understand it. That is, whenever good hearts hear God’s word, they understand that it is from God.
The expression and accept it means that as they understand that it is from God, good hearts accept that it is the right thing to do and put it into action.
Understand and accept is a remarkably simple formula. It is a formula that would appeal to the duty-driven Romans to whom Mark was writing his Gospel.
Matthew’s gospel uses a similar expression: “this is the man who hears the word and understands it” (Matthew 13:23).
This is in line with what Jesus said in response to the disciples’ question about why Jesus spoke in parables (Matthew 13:10). In His response, Jesus quoted Isaiah (Matthew 10:14-15) emphasizing how the people have chosen to dismiss His teaching to the point where they cannot understand what they see or hear. The message in Matthew supports the main point of his gospel message, which is that Jesus was and is the Messiah and Son of God, even though the Jews misunderstood Him and crucified Him.
Luke’s gospel, written for the Greeks, uses three expressions to describe the good soil: “these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15).
The first expression as written in Greek: honest and good, touches upon the three transcendental values of the Greeks. Transcendental values are fundamental, universal principles that exist beyond individual experience and cultural context, guiding human thought, morality, and meaning. The Greeks believed that the transcendentals formed the bedrock of reality. The three transcendentals were: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
God’s word is truth. And a good heart accepts it as such.
The Greek term that is translated as “honest” in Luke 8:15 means “beautiful.” A beautiful heart is pure. It is authentic and not superficial. It genuinely strives to seek after God. It loves God and reflects His love.
And according to the Greeks, for something to be considered “good” (Luke 8:15), it must fulfill its purpose. Our hearts were created to love God and selflessly serve people (just as His word instructs). And a good heart is productive in these things.
Luke’s second expression describing the good soil is that they “hold it fast” (Luke 8:15). This describes people who are unwavering in their faith, in contrast to the people described
in the second and third scenarios who were fearful of men or distracted by the cares and worries of this world.
Luke’s third expression describing the good soil is that it bears “fruit with perseverance.” The good soil that Jesus described continues to bear fruit. It does not go dormant for a time or bearfruit on occasion. It is evergreen.
In His “Parable of the Vine” (John 15:1-11), Jesus commands His disciples to “abide in Me” (John 15:4). He promises them that if they remain in Him (have perseverance) that they will bear much fruit (John 15:5a). If they do not remain in Him, then they “can do nothing” (John 15:5b).
Jesus says that those who hear the word and accept it will bear fruit—at exponential results, some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundredfold.
Jesus does not specify why some faithful believers bear more fruit than others. It could be that some are more faithful in their service to the kingdom, or it could be that some are given more opportunities, like the scenario in the “Parable of the Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30), where servants are entrusted with varying amounts of resources. A principle from that parable is that "to whom much is given, much is required," indicating differing levels of responsibility based on the gifts and opportunities received. Regardless of the reasons for varying fruitfulness, all who possess the good soil are rewarded. Jesus often highlighted that even the simplest acts of service, like offering a cup of water in His name (Matthew 10:42), are worthy of reward, showing that God's rewards extend to all who faithfully live out His word.
The main takeaway from these parables is the call to be as faithful and productive as possible for the kingdom of God during our brief time on earth. The fact that some bear fruit thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold shows that within the kingdom, there is greater potential for both quantity and diversity of outcome compared to what is found outside of it. Notably, the outcome for all three of the first scenarios is zero—no fruit at all—emphasizing that without the right heart and receptivity to God's word, there can be no lasting impact or fruitfulness in the kingdom.
It is essential to understand that in all four scenarios, the sower, the word, and the opportunity to hear the message of the kingdom remain consistent. The only difference is the condition of the heart that either accepts or rejects the word. Jesus emphasizes that a person's heart determines both their entrance into the kingdom and the fruit they bear. Believing in Jesus is a new birth, and entering the kingdom involves living according to His teachings.
In summary, the Parable of the Sower highlights the condition of believers' hearts in relation to the kingdom of God. It emphasizes how the state of a believer’s heart can change throughout their spiritual journey. At times, believers may experience hardness of heart, resistance to God’s word, be swayed by fear, or be overwhelmed by worldly distractions. However, they also have the potential to cultivate a fertile heart, bearing abundant fruit through perseverance. Each believer has the capacity to display any of the four heart conditions toward God.
The profound message of this parable is that no matter the current condition of our hearts, believers have the remarkable opportunity to allow our hearts to be transformed. By embracing God's word, they can experience the abundant and fruitful life it promises.
James’s admonition to believers in this context applies:
“Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)
In this passage, James highlights a key struggle for believers: temptation does not arise from external circumstances but from our own desires and lusts. As a result, believers carry this internal temptation wherever they go. James offers a two-step solution to address this issue:
Learn to listen to others (James 1:19)
Listen to God, “receiving” the word of God into the goodsoil of the heart (James 1:21)
James emphasizes the importance of not only listening to others but also "receiving the implanted word." This openness to others' thoughts and perspectives is integral to cultivating a good heart. When believers truly embrace and internalize God's word, it becomes deeply rooted within them, leading to transformation and delivering their lives from the power of their own desires.
A heart that is cultivated as good soil, firmly holding onto the word of God, empowers believers to break free from the grip of their fleshly desires.
A healthy heart abides in Christ and lives a productive and fulfilled life.
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Mark 4:13-20 meaning
The parallel Gospel accounts for Mark 4:14-20 are Matthew 13:18-23 and Luke 8:11-15.
In Mark 4:13-20, Jesus interprets the Parable of the Sower for His disciples. A more descriptive name for this parable might be “The Parable of the Four Soils.”
He (Jesus) opens His interpretation with a pair of rhetorical questions. His questions are addressed to you (His disciples)—(Mark 4:10).
And He said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? How will you understand all the parables?’ (v 13).
In the first rhetorical question Jesus expresses surprise at the disciples’ lack of understanding regarding the Parable of the Sower.
The implied response to the first rhetorical question—Do you not understand this parable?—is: “No we do not understand the meaning of this parable, even though we should be able to understand it.”
The second question implies that this particular parable holds foundational significance.
The implied response to the second rhetorical question—How will you understand all the parables?—is: “If we do not understand this parable, we will not be able to understand any of the parables Jesus teaches.”
In other words, if Jesus’s followers fail to grasp the meaning of the Parable of the Sower, they are likely to struggle to comprehend His other teachings and/or parables.
Jesus frequently used parables to veil spiritual truths from those with hardened hearts (Mark 4:11-12), but He expected His disciples to seek deeper understanding. His question carries a rebuke, but also an invitation—He desires that His followers press in and seek clarification. This desire and principle reflects the broader biblical theme that spiritual insight is granted to those who earnestly seek it (Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7-8).
The thrust of Jesus’s questions suggests that the Parable of the Sower functions as a key to interpreting His other parables. The imagery of seed, soil, and fruitfulness provides a paradigm for how God’s word interacts with the human heart. If the disciples do not grasp the principles of spiritual receptivity, growth, and opposition found in this parable, they will likely struggle to understand the dynamics of the kingdom that Jesus continually teaches.
As Jesus will explain as He interprets this parable, the Parable of the Sower/Four Soils reinforces the idea that knowledge of God is not merely intellectual but requires a heart receptive to His word. People are unable to see and hear God, not because of their intellectual difficulties, but rather they are unable to see and hear God because of their impure hearts, clogged with pride.
Ultimately, Mark 4:13 points to the necessity of both divine revelation and human responsiveness. Jesus’s disciples had been granted the privilege of hearing the secrets of the kingdom (Mark 4:11), yet they still needed to engage with His teaching intentionally.
Jesus’s rhetorical questions challenges believers today to examine their own spiritual perception—are we merely hearing the Word, or are we striving to understand and apply it? (James 1:22). True discipleship involves not only listening to Jesus’ words but actively seeking His wisdom and putting His teaching into action so that His truth may take root and bear fruit in our lives.
After addressing the disciples' question about the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:10-12), Jesus went on to interpret it and its elements. This parable is distinctive as one of the few occasions where Scripture includes Jesus’s own explanation. His interpretation may serve as a reminder to readers: “If you lack understanding of the parables, it may encourage a personal reflection on the condition of the soil of your heart.”
This parable addresses the state of the human heart in relation to the kingdom of God (Mark 4:11). Since the kingdom of God belongs to believers, the Parable of the Sower, while indirectly relevant to unbelievers, is primarily directed at those who have received the Gift of Eternal Life through faith in Jesus (John 3:16).
To learn more about the Gift of Eternal Life, see The Bible Says article: “What is Eternal Life? How to Gain the Gift of Eternal Life.”
The entrance to this kingdom is through faith in Jesus (John 3:5, 14-16). Only those who believe in Him may enter. However, obedience to God's will is also required of believers to enter the kingdom (Matthew 7:21). Entering the kingdom is a vital aspect of a faithful believer’s eternal inheritance—often referred to as “the Prize of Eternal Life.”
To learn more about the Prize of Eternal Life, see The Bible Says article: “Eternal Life: Receiving the Gift vs. Inheriting the Prize.”
In essence, in the Parable of the Sower, believers are portrayed as either faithful and bearing fruit or unfaithful due to doubts, fears, or worldly desires.
As Jesus explains, the common elements of this parable are—the sower and the seed. The sower is the same in each scenario. The seed is the same in each scenario. But the condition of the soils and the outcomes are different.
The sower sows the word (v 14).
The sower is the one who casts and distributes the seed. Sowing is the act of casting or planting seeds. Literally speaking, a sower is someone who plants seed in the earth in expectation that the seeds he sows will take root and grow and produce a good crop. Sowing is the act of casting or planting seeds.
The seed, in this parable, represents the word or teachings of God. The seed is the core message, truth, and goodness of God’s word. In Luke’s telling of this parable, Jesus says: “the seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). The word of God includes Jesus’s teachings about the kingdom of God (Mark 4:11).
Figuratively speaking, the sower is anyone who teaches (sows) God’s word or teaches accurately about His kingdom.
This parable concerns the human heart. In Matthew’s account, Jesus describes how the word “has been sown in his heart” (Matthew 13:19b). Therefore, the four soils represent four conditions of the human heart—especially four conditions of the believer’s heart.
Before continuing our discussion into Jesus’s explanation of the Four Soils, it would be good to briefly explain what the kingdom of God is and what the Bible says about the heart.
The Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is a Hellenized version of the Jewish term “kingdom of heaven.”
“Kingdom of heaven” is used exclusively in Matthew, which was a Gospel written to Jews. “Kingdom of God” was a more fitting term for Roman and Greek Gentiles, because it stressed that this kingdom was the kingdom of the One True God as the King. There were numerous gods in the Greek and Roman pantheon. To their pagan ears, “kingdom of heaven” could easily be misunderstood as the “kingdom of the gods” or a functional equivalent to their mythological concept of “Mount Olympus” where all the gods were said to live. Therefore, the Gospels of Mark and Luke converted Matthew’s “kingdom of heaven” to “kingdom of God” for their respective Roman and Greek audiences.
To learn more about the similarity and difference between these two terms: see The Bible Says article: “The Kingdom of Heaven vs. the Kingdom of God.”
There are multiple senses to the term Kingdom of God.
It can refer to the Messianic kingdom promised to Israel. Jesus was the Messiah who came to offer this kingdom to the Jews (Matthew 4:17). But as predicted (Psalm 22, Isaiah 53), the Jews rejected Him as their King and Messiah. But then God, through Jesus, opened His kingdom to the Gentiles, which was also foretold (Isaiah 49).
The kingdom of God can also refer to the spiritual reality of God’s authority over all things.
To enter the kingdom of heaven one must:
“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’”
(John 3:5)
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”
(Matthew 7:21)
To enter the kingdom, one must receive the Gift of Eternal Life and Inherit the Prize of Eternal Life.
The Gift of Eternal Life is received by believing that Jesus is the Christ and Son of God, and trust that His life, death, and resurrection have the power to save you. Those who receive the Gift of Eternal Life are forgiven of their sins (Ephesians 1:7), will live forever (John 11:25), and are born into God’s eternal family (John 1:12).
The Gift of Eternal Life is freely offered by grace alone. And it is received by faith alone.
The Prize of Eternal Life is the reward or inheritance a believer receives for following the teachings and example of Jesus by faith. Entering the kingdom is a major part of the Prize of Eternal Life and one of the rewards for overcoming life’s trials by faith.
Because this parable concerns the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:11, Mark 4:11, Luke 8:10), and only believers may enter the kingdom, this parable chiefly concerns believers and only incidentally concerns non-believers.
The Heart
The heart is the essence of a person’s character. A person’s choices are made in their heart. And a person’s daily choices often reflect the disposition of their heart:
“As in water a face reflects face,
So the heart of a man reflects man.”
(Proverbs 27:19)
Throughout Scripture, the heart is depicted as the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23), influencing one's affections, fears, and allegiances (Psalm 119:10; Proverbs 3:5, 28:14; Romans 10:10). The greatest commandment of the Mosaic Law concerns the heart (Deuteronomy 6:5).
The heart profoundly impacts a person's receptivity to messages, influencing their thoughts and attitudes. A closed heart makes it challenging for the mind to entertain opposing viewpoints (Titus 1:15).
Jesus taught that the reason people do not understand Him is because their hearts are dull (Matthew 13:12-15). Their hearts have programmed their ears and eyes to not see the reality of God’s goodness or the badness of their own sin.
Therefore, the concept of a pure heart is crucial. A heart that is pure is one that prioritizes trust, reverence, and love for God above everything else. Jesus affirms this in Matthew 5:8, declaring that those with a pure heart will have the privilege of seeing God. Ultimately, every person faces three fundamental choices:
At its core, the Parable of the Sower illustrates how the heart's chosen perspective determines the growth and fruitfulness of God's seed.
JESUS’S INTERPRETATION
In Jesus's telling of the parable (Mark 4:1-9), He specifies four types of soil where the sower's seed may fall:
Likewise, there were four literal outcomes that corresponded to the four soils:
In this passage, Jesus clarifies the symbolic meaning of these circumstances as they relate to His kingdom.
The seed represents the word of God, conveying its message and teachings about the kingdom. The sower signifies those who share the good news, declaring its truths. The act of scattering the seed illustrates how people receive the kingdom’s gospel, encompassing various aspects of kingdom teaching, including moral conduct, relationships, life priorities, forgiveness, and discernment—key themes that Jesus elaborates on in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).
The four types of soil illustrate different heart conditions that receive the word of God. Just as the various soils produce different results for the seed in the literal sense, they also lead to distinct spiritual outcomes in the parable’s symbolic meaning.
The First Type of Soil
“These are the ones who are beside the road where the word is sown; and when they hear, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them” (v 15).
The first scenario represents hearts that do not trust Jesus. Here, Jesus compares the seeds that fell beside the road to those who have heard the word of God but do not receive it with faith. Just as the seed remains on the surface and never takes root, the word does not penetrate these hardened hearts.
Once God's word is rejected and the seed remains beside the road, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. It is important to note that the sequence begins with the individual's rejection of God’s word due to a hardened heart, followed by Satan taking away the seed.
This sequence reflects God's design in granting individuals the freedom to choose whether to trust Him. It also underscores the reality that choices carry consequences. When a person rejects God, Satan is then able to—and ultimately will—remove the seed of God’s word from their hardened heart, preventing them from believing and receiving salvation.
This parable mainly addresses the condition of the heart and the role of both unfaithful and faithful believers within the kingdom. If unbelievers are included in the Parable of the Sower, they are generally represented by the first type of soil, along with believers whose hearts have become hardened.
The last three scenarios appear to focus solely on believers. The second and third types of soil illustrate two additional groups of unfaithful believers, whereas the fourth type of soil signifies faithful believers.
But how could a believer have a hardened heart, one that is infertile and resistant to receiving the word of God? The answer is simple. A believer can adopt the mindset that they know best and can handle things on their own. With this attitude, they become unreceptive to correction, which is a vital part of the word of God. The Bible describes itself as a tool for teaching and correction:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”
(2 Timothy 3:16)
Those who place trust in their own self-sufficiency—even those who have received the Gift of Eternal Life—shut themselves off from the idea that they need to learn from God. Those who focus on justifying themselves resist correction, and those who rely on their own wisdom reject reproof. This kind of attitude keeps the heart closed to receiving the word of God. Believers have the choice to walk in the Spirit, but they also have the ability to walk in the flesh and sow to the flesh (Galatians 5:13; 6:8).
The book of 1 John was clearly written to believers. Its opening chapter describes the self-inflicted consequences believers impose upon themselves when they reject God’s word:
“If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us… If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.”
(1 John 1:8, 10)
According to John, believers who deny their own sin are deceived. They live and act outside of reality. They oppose their Savior. And His word is not in their hearts.
The only remedies for hard-heartedness are humility and repentance:
“God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
(James 4:6)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9)
Humility and Repentance soften the hard soil of our hearts and enable us to receive God’s word. If we believe and trust God’s word, we will be saved from the poison of our pride and will be able to seek His kingdom and righteousness (Luke 8:12).
The state of the soil we present to God ultimately depends on the condition of our hearts.
The Second Type of Soil
“In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away” (vv 16-17).
The second scenario, the rocky places, describes hearts that fear men more than God. In this situation, Jesus explains that a person hears the word and at first receives it with joy. However, this joy is short-lived, as it fades when faced with affliction or persecution. The seeds in the rocky places sprout at first, but without a deep root, they wither and fall away due to the lack of moisture before they can bear fruit.
These hearts are initially filled with joy upon hearing the good news of the kingdom of God. Unlike the hardened soil beside the road, these hearts are open and responsive, embracing the sower’s message right away. However, their joy fades quickly because they lack a firm root. The rocky places make the believer susceptible to temptations, trials, and the challenges that come with following Jesus, ultimately leading them to fall away from God when their faith is tested.
The fear of affliction or persecution is a common vulnerability for many hearts. Jesus consistently urged His disciples to find their strength and security in Him, especially when facing such fears. A widespread fear among all people is the fear of rejection. The shallow soil may eagerly seek God's blessings and find joy in them, but it struggles to endure rejection from others and the world. This fear ultimately prevents the believer from fully walking in God's ways, causing them to falter when their faith is tested.
The Bible often highlights the abundant rewards that await those who faithfully bear witness to Jesus and endure rejection, which can feel like a form of death. Death, in this sense, signifies separation, and experiencing rejection and loss of relationship can indeed feel like the emotional death of severed connections. Yet, this is the essence of a vibrant testimony.
The Greek word often translated as "witness" or "testimony" is the root of the English word "martyr," illustrating that bearing faithful witness for Jesus leads to the greatest fruitfulness and the highest reward in life. Jesus frequently spoke of this trial, and several examples from His teachings emphasize this truth:
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
(John 16:33)
“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna].”
(Matthew 10:28)
The Bible often speaks to painful circumstances and encourages believers to endure faithfully. Hearts that succumb to the temptation to focus on immediate trials can lose sight of the future joy that awaits them if they persevere faithfully (Hebrews 12:1). When someone fixates on suffering instead of the promised reward, they bear no fruit and lose sight of their divine calling and their identity as citizens of the kingdom (2 Peter 1:8-11). This mindset causes them to overlook the fact that the authenticity of their faith is far more valuable than gold (1 Peter 1:7).
Strangely, they are caught off guard by the rocky trials and fiery ordeals, forgetting that as they share in Christ's sufferings, they will also share in His glory when it is revealed (1 Peter 4:12-13, Romans 8:17-18). They focus only on the joy of God's kingdom but dread the narrow gate of affliction and persecution through which God calls them to enter His kingdom (James 1:2-8, Matthew 5:10-12, 7:13-14).
The author of Hebrews warns against hearts resembling rocky soil:
“For you...accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.”
(Hebrews 10:34-35)
This passage in Hebrews speaks directly to believers who understand that they possess “a better possession and a lasting one” in heaven. They are urged not to “throw away [their] confidence,” as doing so would lead to the loss of a “great reward.” It highlights someone who, at first, joyfully accepts God's word and faces hardships faithfully, but who eventually begins to waver. In Galatians, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to continue steadfastly and “not lose heart in doing good,” reminding them that they will ultimately “reap” a full reward in heaven (Galatians 6:9).
Suffering, and the fear of suffering, often lead many hearts to lose their joy because they lack a strong foundation. Lasting joy depends on being deeply rooted in the power of Jesus and His Spirit, which enables one to endure the temporary trials of life. Notice that this heart initially receives the word with joy, but it quickly falls away when faced with affliction. Its response is temporary, lacking the enduring perspective and strength that only God can offer. Instead, it remains rooted in worldly rewards, unable to stand firm through challenges.
Contrary to popular belief, affliction and persecution do not inherently destroy joy. In fact, they can become occasions for joy for those who are firmly rooted in Christ (Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 5:3-5; Philippians 4:4; James 1:2-5).
However, adopting and maintaining this perspective requires a conscious decision of the heart. It involves recognizing that God's ways are best for us, regardless of our present circumstances.
This is why James encourages believers to "Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials" (James 1:2). By embracing the view that everything allowed into our lives by God ultimately serves our growth and benefit, we cultivate a fertile heart. On the other hand, when we prioritize immediate gratification, we resemble the rocky places, lacking the depth needed for lasting roots to grow.
The remedies for the fearful and timid heart of rocky soil are perspective and perseverance.
It is to care more about God’s opinion of what is right and who you are than what other people think is right and say about you (Matthew 10:28).
And it is to hold onto the joy that is set before us as we endure present shame for following God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
The Third Type of Soil
“And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (vv 18-19).
The third scenario, where the seed is sown among the thorns, represents hearts that are preoccupied with the fleeting rewards of this world, overshadowing the eternal rewards promised by God.
Jesus compares the seed sown among the thorns to those who hear the word but let the worries of the world and the deceitfulness of riches strangle it. These seeds may struggle to grow, some failing to sprout at all due to the overwhelming presence of worldly concerns, while others may sprout briefly but are soon overtaken and choked by these unfruitful distractions. In the end, these hearts become unfruitful.
The thorns in the parable represent the temptations to chase after riches, worldly worries, and desires for other things. These pursuits may seem enticing but ultimately offer hollow promises, filled with deceit. The world often portrays riches as the ultimate measure of success and fulfillment, but this view is misleading. The heart depicted by the thorny soil has misunderstood the true value of riches. While God does desire for His people to be prosperous, He makes it clear that the true path to lasting riches is found through His word—the sown seed.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses the Laodicean church, saying:
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.”
(Revelation 3:17-18)
Here, Jesus highlights the Laodiceans' mistaken belief in their own material wealth, which blinds them to their true spiritual poverty. He calls them to seek true riches through Him—spiritual wealth that comes from refining fire, symbolizing trials that purify one's faith. This serves as a stark reminder that worldly riches are deceptive and temporary, while spiritual riches, obtained through Christ, leads to eternal life and true fulfillment.
As Revelation 3 continues, Jesus instructs the Laodiceans to turn away from their self-reliance and recognize the true riches found in Him. He says, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19) Jesus emphasizes that repentance is necessary to find true riches, which He offers. He then invites them, saying, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). This invitation calls for a heart change—moving from worldly pursuits to receiving the true riches of a relationship with Christ.
True riches become attainable when we shift our focus to the enduring riches found in listening to the voice of Jesus and nurturing a deep relationship with Him, much like sharing a meal with close companions. To attain real riches, we must redirect our desires from the fleeting rewards of this world to the eternal treasures of the spiritual realm.
Solomon, known for his wisdom, describes the pursuit of wealth and worldly pleasures as vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 18). Likewise, Paul cautions that those focused on accumulating riches will find themselves consumed by ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9). The heart among the thorns is drawn to these lesser pursuits, forsaking the ultimate and perfect goodness God desires for them (1 John 2:16-17). They are akin to Esau, who traded his future inheritance for a mere bowl of soup (Hebrews 12:16).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages His followers not to be consumed by worries over worldly possessions but to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above all else (Matthew 6:25-34). He assures them that those who seek honor from men have already received their “reward in full” (Matthew 6:2). Additionally, He underscores the fleeting nature of worldly rewards, emphasizing their insignificance even if they are attained,
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
(Matthew 16:26)
In this third scenario, among the thorns, Jesus explains that these thorns represent not just riches but also worries, or the “care of the world.” This idea encompasses concerns like seeking the world’s approval, striving to meet its definition of success, or conforming to its moral standards. These worries can trigger an anxious desire to align with what the world deems valuable, leading to pressures such as:
These worries lead to anxiety rather than fruitful outcomes. Societal morals and trends are ever-changing, but they can heavily influence one’s reputation or position in society (or even history).
The world’s standard of righteousness (“dikaiosune”) is constantly shifting. What is praised today could lead to condemnation (or "being cancelled") tomorrow. Pursuing the approval of worldly systems is ultimately futile, leaving one in disharmony and filled with anxiety. Those who chase after worldly accolades become entangled in its thorns, leading to unfruitfulness in relation to the kingdom of God.
What the world considers good or righteous is often deceptive. When people manage their image to gain approval, they are crafting a false impression in an attempt to control how others perceive them. However, we can never truly know what another person is thinking; we only imagine that we can predict their thoughts.
In reality, these quests for affirmation are merely the pursuit of a deceptive illusion, built upon a false presentation of oneself. This results in anxiety as individuals come to recognize the fragility and emptiness of their constructed image. The alternative, however, is to ground one’s life in the truth, leading to the fourth scenario: the good soil.
Worrying what the world thinks is good chokes out the pursuit of God and His kingdom and consequently leads to a barren, fruitless life.
The remedy for worrying about the rotten fruits and deceitful treasures this world offers is to remove the thorns. Stop caring about what the world thinks and start caring for what God thinks,
“Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.”
(Psalm 37:4)
Exchange your sorrows and cares for the joy of the LORD and pursue the rest, the lasting treasure, and the sweet fruit that comes from knowing Jesus.
The Fourth Type of Soil
“And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold” (v 20).
In the final scenario of the Parable of the Sower, Jesus speaks of those on whom seed was sown on the good soil.
The good soil, representing a heart that is faithful and fertile for God's word, stands in stark contrast to the first three types of soil.
Aside from its productivity, in Mark’s gospel, Jesus identifies two characteristics of the good soil—they hear the word and accept it.
The expression hear the word means understand it. That is, whenever good hearts hear God’s word, they understand that it is from God.
The expression and accept it means that as they understand that it is from God, good hearts accept that it is the right thing to do and put it into action.
Understand and accept is a remarkably simple formula. It is a formula that would appeal to the duty-driven Romans to whom Mark was writing his Gospel.
Matthew’s gospel uses a similar expression: “this is the man who hears the word and understands it” (Matthew 13:23).
This is in line with what Jesus said in response to the disciples’ question about why Jesus spoke in parables (Matthew 13:10). In His response, Jesus quoted Isaiah (Matthew 10:14-15) emphasizing how the people have chosen to dismiss His teaching to the point where they cannot understand what they see or hear. The message in Matthew supports the main point of his gospel message, which is that Jesus was and is the Messiah and Son of God, even though the Jews misunderstood Him and crucified Him.
Luke’s gospel, written for the Greeks, uses three expressions to describe the good soil: “these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15).
The first expression as written in Greek: honest and good, touches upon the three transcendental values of the Greeks. Transcendental values are fundamental, universal principles that exist beyond individual experience and cultural context, guiding human thought, morality, and meaning. The Greeks believed that the transcendentals formed the bedrock of reality. The three transcendentals were: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.
God’s word is truth. And a good heart accepts it as such.
The Greek term that is translated as “honest” in Luke 8:15 means “beautiful.” A beautiful heart is pure. It is authentic and not superficial. It genuinely strives to seek after God. It loves God and reflects His love.
And according to the Greeks, for something to be considered “good” (Luke 8:15), it must fulfill its purpose. Our hearts were created to love God and selflessly serve people (just as His word instructs). And a good heart is productive in these things.
Luke’s second expression describing the good soil is that they “hold it fast” (Luke 8:15). This describes people who are unwavering in their faith, in contrast to the people described
in the second and third scenarios who were fearful of men or distracted by the cares and worries of this world.
Luke’s third expression describing the good soil is that it bears “fruit with perseverance.” The good soil that Jesus described continues to bear fruit. It does not go dormant for a time or bear fruit on occasion. It is evergreen.
In His “Parable of the Vine” (John 15:1-11), Jesus commands His disciples to “abide in Me” (John 15:4). He promises them that if they remain in Him (have perseverance) that they will bear much fruit (John 15:5a). If they do not remain in Him, then they “can do nothing” (John 15:5b).
Jesus says that those who hear the word and accept it will bear fruit—at exponential results, some thirty, some sixty, and some a hundredfold.
Jesus does not specify why some faithful believers bear more fruit than others. It could be that some are more faithful in their service to the kingdom, or it could be that some are given more opportunities, like the scenario in the “Parable of the Talents” (Matthew 25:14-30), where servants are entrusted with varying amounts of resources. A principle from that parable is that "to whom much is given, much is required," indicating differing levels of responsibility based on the gifts and opportunities received. Regardless of the reasons for varying fruitfulness, all who possess the good soil are rewarded. Jesus often highlighted that even the simplest acts of service, like offering a cup of water in His name (Matthew 10:42), are worthy of reward, showing that God's rewards extend to all who faithfully live out His word.
The main takeaway from these parables is the call to be as faithful and productive as possible for the kingdom of God during our brief time on earth. The fact that some bear fruit thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold shows that within the kingdom, there is greater potential for both quantity and diversity of outcome compared to what is found outside of it. Notably, the outcome for all three of the first scenarios is zero—no fruit at all—emphasizing that without the right heart and receptivity to God's word, there can be no lasting impact or fruitfulness in the kingdom.
It is essential to understand that in all four scenarios, the sower, the word, and the opportunity to hear the message of the kingdom remain consistent. The only difference is the condition of the heart that either accepts or rejects the word. Jesus emphasizes that a person's heart determines both their entrance into the kingdom and the fruit they bear. Believing in Jesus is a new birth, and entering the kingdom involves living according to His teachings.
In summary, the Parable of the Sower highlights the condition of believers' hearts in relation to the kingdom of God. It emphasizes how the state of a believer’s heart can change throughout their spiritual journey. At times, believers may experience hardness of heart, resistance to God’s word, be swayed by fear, or be overwhelmed by worldly distractions. However, they also have the potential to cultivate a fertile heart, bearing abundant fruit through perseverance. Each believer has the capacity to display any of the four heart conditions toward God.
The profound message of this parable is that no matter the current condition of our hearts, believers have the remarkable opportunity to allow our hearts to be transformed. By embracing God's word, they can experience the abundant and fruitful life it promises.
James’s admonition to believers in this context applies:
“Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”
(James 1:21)
In this passage, James highlights a key struggle for believers: temptation does not arise from external circumstances but from our own desires and lusts. As a result, believers carry this internal temptation wherever they go. James offers a two-step solution to address this issue:
James emphasizes the importance of not only listening to others but also "receiving the implanted word." This openness to others' thoughts and perspectives is integral to cultivating a good heart. When believers truly embrace and internalize God's word, it becomes deeply rooted within them, leading to transformation and delivering their lives from the power of their own desires.
A heart that is cultivated as good soil, firmly holding onto the word of God, empowers believers to break free from the grip of their fleshly desires.
A healthy heart abides in Christ and lives a productive and fulfilled life.