Parable of the Sower

We are but seeds being planted on earth for Him, and on the same token, we are the planters. How will be grow and plant in perfect synchronization? Is it possible for us to simultaneously do both?

Amazingly, as we grow, we will also become greater planters. Through growth and maturity we gain discernement on key issues, and find ways to present the Word to (or plant seeds in) seekers in our community.

Here is the parable:

4 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. The crowd that gathered around him was so large that he got into a boat and sat in it out on the lake, while all the people were along the shore at the water’s edge. ² He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: ³ “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.”

⁹ Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

First off, we see that Jesus teaching His disciples had become a regular routine. And, this was an issue that certainly needed clarification as it was at the root of (pun intended) the Christian walk.  I recently learned that the reason we often see Jesus standing next to bodies of water when He taught was for the simple reason of voice projection. His voice could bounce off of the water, and could reach more humans in His short ministry.

I believe this parable is for two different people. It is directed towards the growing Christian. With the Holy spirit inside of them, the seed is planted and growth begins to occur. At the same time, we see lanuage directed to the planter. We are all called to be "fishers of men", and use our feet to bring the Gospel (Matthew 4:19, Romans 10:14-15).

As a growing Christian, we must be sure that the seed of truth is planted firmly in our hearts.

So, to be a follower of Jesus Christ we must :
Be on the Path, and not stray from it
avoid those who will not allow you to Study the scriptures.
Must be certain that our manner of study is in sync with our learning soil. It must be fertile and healthy.
Must be rooted, and find our identity in Jesus-Only Jesus.
Allow ourselves to be in the mission field but not consumed by it.


And, the parable makes it clear, that to be a growing Christian, we must continually plant seeds. A dying plant cannot bear seeds to plant in others. It is a cycle that we as Christians have been called to uphold.


To Share the Gospel and plant seeds we must:
Listen to His commandments and direction
Share the Good News...with ALL.
Realize that seeds will fall as they may.


Let us become both the grower and the planter. One cannot live without the other. And, they both depend upon one another for the growing of the Kingdom.