The parables of Jesus are much more than simple stories that contain moral values - they are significant truths that reveal the "mysteries of the kingdom of God" and are meant to be understood and applied by those who follow him. (Luke 8:10) Although Jesus often taught in parables during his earthly ministry, he did not often give an explanation of the parable afterwards. In fact, when Jesus' disciples asked him why he spoke in parables to the people, he quoted Isaiah 6 "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears they are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." He then explained to his close followers "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand."(Luke 8:10) After Jesus told the parable of The Sower, he urged "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."(vs 8) He then took a small group of disciples and followers aside and gave them a line by line explanation, revealing the critical, eternal impact of the human heart's response to the gospel message. By doing this, Jesus is revealing that while some people seek him for things like physical healing or miracles and are not motivated by a spiritual hunger to know the truth; he knows the hearts of men, and reserves spiritual truth for those who are seeking to understand it and willing to sacrifice for it.
In this post are my first two prints, illustrating the first two soils Jesus spoke about. These prints are part of a larger art piece that includes five prints with mixed media to illustrate the parable of The Sower. This is part one of three posts about the parable of The Sower and the art piece it inspired.
The Hard Soil of the Wayside
"A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the birds of the air devoured it." (Luke 8:5)
Jesus' explanation:
"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved." (Luke 8:11-12)
Ground that is considered the "wayside" is hard-packed soil, usually compacted from people walking on it. Soil that is dry and hard will not allow seeds to sink into it; instead, they remain on the surface, exposed to the sun and birds. When Jesus explains this parable to his disciples, he reveals "The seed is the word of God" and equates "the birds of the air" to "the devil" who steals the word of God out of the hearts of people before they believe. (Luke 8:11-12)
Jesus gives a detail explanation of this part of the parable - illustrating how Satan can easily steal the Gospel message when it falls on a hardened heart, and as a result, the person does not become a believer. Some scholars argue that this part of the parable is about any person (Christian or not) who is not truly listening when any part of the Word of God is read or spoken; and as a result, the message of those words do not sink into the heart and mind at that time. When I consider this interpretation, I remember what Jesus said in verse 12 about how the devil steals the Word of God from the hearts of people "before they believe" and his description of the hard soil of the wayside. This seems to indicate the blocking of a believing faith by a hardened heart and Satan's devices. We know for certain that God has given mankind his Word - the gospel message of Jesus Christ - and there is an ongoing spiritual battle for the hearts and souls of men in this world.
"And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture." (Luke 8:6)
Jesus' explanation:
"They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away." (Luke 8:13)
Rocky soil is ground that has not been properly tilled and cared for in a way that will allow seeds to flourish. Instead, this type of soil is sandy and contains stones that keep seeds from developing deep roots. Jesus explains that when the seeds of the gospel fall on rocky, sandy soil, it is likened to a person who is shallow in belief. While they may be glad to hear the good news of the Gospel message, they have no true commitment to Christ and "fall away" when temptations come their way. The Greek word for temptation here is parasmos - meaning trials and testing. The hearts represented by this soil are shallow converts in that they do not have a true fundamental change at the core of their being. They want to adopt some new things, such as church fellowship and eternal security, but do not want to submit to giving their lives over to Christ in a way that may cost them something. Scholars disagree whether the person represented by this soil is saved. When I consider this, I am reminded of so many warnings we are given in scripture such as when Jesus explained:
"Wherefore by their fruits shall ye know them. Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
"And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:23)
God alone is judge, and he knows the hearts and souls of men, so the main point in understanding this parable is not to look around and question other people's salvation, but to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12) If you read this parable and are convicted God does not want you to have shallow faith that primarily seeks his good gifts, yet does not want to submit to him or undergo trials for his name's sake - then pray and change your heart and life today.
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