Mark 4:1-20 Sower, Seed, and Soil

1. Jesus was willing to use new methods to maximize the reach of His message. Vs 1

Jesus seems quite comfortable using new modes and new methods to reach those around Him. It is important for us to see this too but never change the message.

2. Jesus put major emphasis on the need to hear and respond to His teachings. Vs 3, 9

This point is driven home by the conversation between Jesus and his followers in verses 10-13

The outsiders, again in this case the religious leaders, were seeing and hearing the teaching of the Kingdom by Jesus, but they were seeing but not perceiving and were hearing but not understanding.

The great reversal of Jesus was in full display.

3. What kind of soil will the seed of life fall on in your heart? Vs 14-20

Parable: Jesus gives 4 seed/growth combinations

The seed is the Word of God according to Luke 8 and Jesus here is the sower.

So we know two of the variables are good.

The sower is doing His job and we also know the seed is good.

Only part left is the soil and that is us!

Taken away by Destruction

Seed fell on the path and birds ate the seed vs 4/15

(Seed never makes it to the seed bed)

Taken away by Difficulty

Seed fell on rocky ground with little soil, sprang up immediately, but scorched and withered when sun rose because of lack of roots. vs 5-6/16-17

(resistance from the world) tribulation, persecution on account of the word.

Taken away by Distraction

Seed fell on in thorns which grew up faster than the seed and choked it out. Specifically says it produced no grain (fruit). vs 7/18-19

(desires of the world) cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things choke our the word.

Seed that bears fruit

Seed fell into good soil and produced grain (fruit) exponentially by thirty, sixty, and one hundred fold. vs 8/20

Fruit bearing seems to be the central role and goal of the seed so the judgement of any seed that is sown is based upon its obedience in bearing fruit.

Fruit bearing is mandatory for Christ followers and only one example in this parable, the last one, bears any fruit whatsoever.

The NT is complete with references to the mandatory nature of followers of Christ bearing fruit. John 15:1-15, Matthew 7:15-20, Colossians 1:10.