The Importance of Good Soil

Jesus' ministry was short, but His preaching/teaching was powerful. We only have a few recorded words of Jesus preserved for us. Our historical knowledge of Jesus is limited, but we have been given all we need to know. The last verse in the Book of John tells us,

"Jesus did many other things as well, if every one of them were written down I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written."

Nearly one third of the words of Jesus are parables. The parable is a unique teaching method because it reveals more meaning than appears on the surface. Someone has made the statement that "a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly (or spiritual) meaning." Jesus used everyday life to teach spiritual truths to His listeners. He knew that by telling stories He could hold the attention of His audience. Early in His ministry He used few parables, but as hostility grew He began using more parables to lessen the opposition to His ministry. For those whose hearts were prepared, the parables had meaning. For the sceptics, the parables were just stories.

Let's consider the parable of the sower found in Luke 8:4-15. Actually, it is the parable of the soil, as it describes the receptivity of the Word of God. The seed that is sown is the Word of God. (v11) The soil is the condition of the heart of man into which the seed is sown. Jesus said there were four different types of soil to which the seed is sown.

WAYSIDE v12 

Seed that fell on the edges of the plowed field which would never penetrate the soil and grow. This would refer to the hard-hearted Jewish leaders who would never receive the Word of God. It also describes people of today who, because of a hardened heart, reject the message of truth.

STONY GROUND v13 

This describes those who hear the Word of God but have no root and soon fall away. It describes those who make a superficial commitment to salvation; they remain interested only until there is a sacrificial price to pay and then abandon God.

THORNY GROUND v14 

This describes those who receive the seed (hear the Word) but the cares of life choke out the seed. choke out the commitment to the Word of God.

GOOD GROUND v15 

This describes fertile ground that receives the seed and produces a crop / fruit. It also describes people who hear the Word of God-understand it keep it (obedience) and, as a result, bring forth fruit. (a visible expression of power working inwardly) Fruit in the life of a believer, not only blesses that person, but also blesses the lives of others as they are able to give way the 'fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in their lives. 

Let us share some of that fruit with others...today!