Articles
Lesson From The Parable of the Sower
On Sunday morning Brad used the Parable of the Sower as a theme for his lesson. This parable is one of the first Jesus used to teach and has always been a favorite of mine. It shows the importance of man's heart, and God's Word as a main teaching. I think Jesus used this to immediately teach how important God's Word is to us, and the way we either accept it (so it can grow) or not. We find this important teaching in three of the Gospel accounts, Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
IN Luke's account we find these words: "NOW THE PARABLE IS THIS: THE SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD. " Luke 8:11 A parable is used to "lay alongside" one thing to teach another. In the case of Jesus, He uses familiar things to teach spiritual lessons -- thus the sowing of seed (a very familiar event) to teach how important the "seed" of God is to us. So, let us consider the importance of the whole parable to us. In fact, Jesus used parables in about a third of his teachings.
The "seed" is sown in four types of soil (hearts of men). Notice the results. In Luke 8:12, He tells of some folks who really don't listen, and the Word is taken away. Then there are some who "receive" the Word, but it takes no deep root. Then, the third group, are those who take the Word for a while, but let worldly hindrances become a stumbling block and the Word never matures (bears fruit). Jesus says it's choked out "by worries, riches, and pleasures of this life".
Finally, the fourth example tells us of a heart that is faithful and bears fruit. It's called the "good soil". Notice, Jesus calls this heart "honest and good" (Luke 8:15). He also says, "and bears fruit WITH PERSEVERANCE".
Also, in Luke's account, we see in verse 21 of this chapter: "But He answered and said to them, "MY MOTHER AND MY BROTHERS ARE THOSE WHO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD AND DO IT." Jesus is saying to be part of His family (spiritual) it must be by having faith in God's Word....the Gospel of our salvation.
Jesus and the Gospel provide God's plan for man to be saved from sin. This simple parable we sometimes called THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER clearly teaches it takes both God's part and that of man to complete His conditions of salvation. Some seem to think God does it all -- that is man has nothing to do for salvation. But, as Jesus teaches, man's part is faith. Faith in God's Word, then to be faithful to the end.
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the POWER OF GOD FOR SALVATION to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
I think this simple parable first taught by Jesus Himself provides the emphasis we must have on learning and believing God's Word, and maintaining our faith in that to the end. He wants all to be saved; however, it must be on His terms. I think you will agree when you give honest attention to His Word.. Thanks for listening.
Ross
