The Good Soil Mark 4:1-20

A husband and wife were at a party chatting with some friends when the subject of marriage counseling came up. “Oh, well never need that. My wife and I have a great relationship,” the husband explained. “She was a communications major in college and I majored in theatre arts.” He continued, “She communicates well, and I act like I’m listening.”

-Jesus proclaims the Good News of the Kingdom through symbolic stories that we will either heed or ignore.

I. The Content of the Parable vv. 1-9

As we continue the story, Jesus is focused in on teaching, but now we see Him use a particular tool: the parable

What is a parable?

Some have called it an earthly story with a heavenly meaning

It is a way to understand a spiritual principle using a metaphor or an allegory from the commonly perceived circumstances of life

It is important that we hear the story before we begin to apply it; it is a picture that needs to be observed before it is understood

In this parable we see a few things:

An untilled field being planted by a farmer

There are four types of soil in which the seeds fall, each with a different outcome

The hardened pathway- the seeds are carried off by the birds

The rocky soil- the seeds spring up, but having no root it scorched and withered

The thorny soil- the seeds spring up, but their life is choked about by the plants surrounding them

Jesus invites us to listen to His Words here:

Listen to the story, but look for the deeper meaning

This truth must be applied to our spiritual lives.

We can never learn if we are not willing to listen!

Writer Charles Swindoll once found himself with too many commitments in too few days. He got nervous and tense about it. "I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions through the day," he recalled in his book Stress Fractures. "Before long, things around our home started reflecting the patter of my hurry-up style. It was becoming unbearable.

"I distinctly remember after supper one evening, the words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me something important that had happened to her at school that day. She began hurriedly, 'Daddy, I wanna tell you somethin' and I'll tell you really fast.'

"Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered, 'Honey, you can tell me -- and you don't have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly." "I'll never forget her answer: 'Then listen slowly.'"

II. The Reason for the Parable vv. 10-13

Interestingly, the disciples of Jesus get some insight into the nature of teaching through parables; they separate those who will receive Jesus from those who reject Him.

For those who are outside of the Kingdom, the parables are just silly stories

They see, but they do not perceive the deeper meaning

They hear, but do not really understand

Sadly, if they did they could experience forgiveness

For those who are spiritually-minded, the parable is life-giving

It illuminates the truth in a powerful way

It is both challenging and inspiring

Ultimately, it is instructive without being demanding; it preaches without preaching

The following thoughts reveal why Jesus used the parabolic method (They are adapted from - All the Parables of The Bible by Herbert Lockyer).

• Parables attract attention and when fully understood are sure to be remembered. They are a great help for our short-term memories!

• Parables help the mind to process the points in a story or a fable and therefore increase the ability of the mind to think and dig deeper into the subject of the study.

• Parables stir up the emotions of a person listening and awaken the conscience of a person.

• Parables grab a hold of a person’s interest and usually hold their attention longer than just mere speaking or lecturing.

III. The Meaning of the Parable vv. 14-20

The parable tells the story of the four soils:

The seed that is sown is the Word of God, the good news of the Kingdom of Christ

The soils represent human hearts and their receptivity to the Word

Now, let’s consider the soils:

The path- these hearts are completely dull, the Word bounces off of them and is consumed by the Enemy

The rocks- these hearts are initially receptive, but full of hard places and the Word never sets down deep roots in their hearts; when difficulty comes, their faith withers

The thorns- these hearts are completely receptive, but the Word is choked out by cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things

The good soil- these hearts receive the Word and become supernaturally fruitful

Which one are you?

What does that tell you about your own heart and its reception of the Gospel?

If your life is not fruitful, what do you need to do about it?

The answer is always to receive the Good News!

After a trial had been going on for three days, John Smith—the defendant—stood up and approached the judge’s bench. “Your Honor, I would like to change my plea from innocent to guilty of the charges.”

The judge angrily banged his fist on the desk. “If you’re guilty, why didn’t you say so in the first place and save this court a lot of time and inconvenience?” he demanded.

Smith looked up wide-eyed and said, “Well, when the trial started, I thought I was innocent, but that was before I heard all the evidence against me.”