This is the second of three posts about the parable of The Sower and the artwork it inspired. In the first post, we defined parables and why Jesus used them. We also looked at the first two soils - the hardened wayside soil and the rocky soil. Here, we will look at the last two soils and the accompanying relief prints. In the next post, we will look at the sower himself, think about the parable in universal terms and view the large, mixed media artwork that I created from this scripture.
The Thorny Soil
"And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it." (Luke 8:7)
Jesus' explanation:
"And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection." (Luke 8:14)
The third type of soil, known as thorny soil, is fit to sustain life - and the seed grows into a plant. It is not hard-packed soil, and it has no rocks to block the roots. Yet, it grows other things as well - thorns and weeds - alongside the seedling plant. Jesus explained that this soil illustrates people who are consumed with the "cares and pleasures of this life" and as a result, do not produce mature fruit for the kingdom of God. "Fruit" or "fruitfulness" in the Bible refers to both the characteristics of Godliness (the fruit of the spirit - see Galatians 5) and the resulting Christlike actions brought about by those characteristics. Jesus said in John 15:4-5
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
Jesus gives his followers all that they need to produce mature fruit - they just need to abide in him. To abide in Jesus is not simply to identify with him. To abide is to place your faith in Jesus alone and allow his Word to transform your life, your will, your affections.
The people illustrated by the thorny soil are not described as falling away - in fact it seems that they may produce some immature fruit. The temporal things of this world that are competing for the attention and affections of their hearts choke out their Godly character and actions that God wants to produce in them.
The Good Soil
"And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 8:8)
Jesus' explanation:
"But that on the good ground are they, which, in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15)
The fourth and final soil is the good soil. This ground has been carefully tilled and cultivated to receive seeds and produce a bountiful crop. Jesus explained that this soil illustrates people whose hearts are honest and good toward God, who keep his Word and who patiently develop the fruit of Godly character and actions. This type of heart soil is genuine, reflects Christ-likeness and treasures what God treasures. The Word of God in the life of a Christian is not there just to comfort, guide, give us joy and hope - but to produce the fruit of the Spirit that God desires in us. This Christian isn't perfect or trying to produce fruit for the purpose of buying his way into God's favor. Instead, this Christian, while abiding in Christ, produces Godly character and actions out of a sincere, honest love for God.
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