The Parable of the Sower: A Reminder to Soul-Winners
by Kris Groda
Although Jesus called it “the parable of the sower,” we view the parable in light of the explanation that Jesus provided (Matthew 13:18-23). The thrust seems to be about the different types of ground, which represent the differences in people; nevertheless, the seed-sower scattered seed on good soil and by the wayside. Many folks prejudge those who would seem to be “wayside” types and decide that they aren’t good candidates or prospects for teaching the Gospel.
As hard as the church may try, some converts will fall away, not because of what we do or fail to do, but because they fail to understand the Word of the kingdom, “then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart” (Matthew 13:19). This person received the seed (the Word) in the sense that they were willing to hear. But there is no indication this “wayside” individual ever converted. Some just don’t “get it,” and what’s worse, usually it’s a willful ignorance.
Then there are those who hear “the word and immediately receive it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, immediately he stumbles” (Matthew 13:20-21). The Bible study went great; this person “got it.” They could see the difference between the simple truth of God’s Word versus the plethora of man-made dogmas. This person made the good confession and put the Lord on in baptism. It was a great day, and it seemed they were going to do great things in the kingdom of God. They eagerly shared what they learned with their family, and suddenly, we no longer see that “stony ground” person. They weren’t mean about it; they just quietly dropped out and stopped returning phone calls.
The church tries so hard to compete with those who turn new Christians away from the truth. Sometimes we wish we could, like Paul, call for the hand of the Lord to strike all the Elymases in the world with blindness, just to show how serious God is about causing people to turn from the truth (Acts 13:7-11).
Then some received seed among the thorns. This person hears the Word, but “the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). Becoming unfruitful doesn’t necessarily mean that they stop attending the worship services. We can become enthralled with and overcome by interest in secular things. Sometimes, family gets the best of us when we cater to their lax views of faithfulness. Yet, we remember the lesson Jesus gave about having and maintaining a proper, ordered love (Luke 14:26). God comes first!
“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:23). The admonition is to be the “good-ground” type. However, it seems that if we are going to “understand” the Word, we must also be aware that we can become discouraged and disappointed by those who fall away. A Christian who wins souls (Proverbs 11:30) must be prepared emotionally for those who fall away. They’ll break your heart every time and never realize the time that is invested in money, talents, works that edify, prayers, and lack of sleep—all on their behalf. At the end of the day, we still have to make a choice: Will we continue to win souls or grow discouraged and quit?
