Here is today’s parable, straight from the heart of Jesus.
The Parable of the Sower – Mark 4
“If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mark 4:23
The Pharisees, the crowd at Christ’s Triumphal Entry, Judas, and three certain women are perfect examples to illustrate Jesus’ Parable of the Sower.
The Pharisees
Just before Jesus taught the Parable of the Sower, the Pharisees had accused Him of being demon-possessed. (Mark 3:22)
Jesus knew that they would never understand the parables. Their hearts were like stone. Their minds were made up. But He told the stories anyway. Others along the road would allow the seed to take root in their hearts.
“Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow. As he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it.”
Mark 4: 3 & 4
These wicked men, who had access to the Old Testament scrolls, possessed all the evidence they needed to recognize the Messiah. Yet, they failed to see Him at all.
Despite witnessing the miracles of Jesus and hearing His loving message, they were captivated by the lies of Satan. Their hearts were as unyielding as the ground where the seeds of the Gospel had fallen. (1 Peter 5:8)
Jesus’ message of salvation is for everyone; He does not withhold it even from places where He knows many will reject Him.
The people at the Triumphal Entry of Jesus
Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil. When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
Mark 4: 5 & 6
The people who welcomed Jesus as a royal king are an example of those who hear God’s Word, but they have shallow hearts and closed minds. They simply saw Jesus as a means to an end of their suffering under the oppressive Roman rule.
These days, people want a warm-and-fuzzy savior. They want a god who will make them wealthy, beautiful, and vigorous. They want a god who will disregard sin and give them a pass.
But Jesus warned that, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) It isn’t easy to live the devoted Christian life, is it?
Judas
Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
Mark 4:7
Have you ever wondered how Judas could have walked in such an intimate setting with Jesus, and yet still betray Him? How could his heart be so hard?
Judas saw many of Jesus’ miracles and experienced His love for others. He heard the message of salvation. How could he overlook the Kingdom of God?
The Scriptures give us the answer.
“Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it.“
John 12:5 & 6
His heart was consumed by greed, blinding him with sin. Hesitating to make a decision to accept Christ is a perilous. As the world pulls at your heart, you become set on self-centered ambition. It becomes increasingly difficult to embrace the grace that Jesus offers. Living as a believer begins to look foolish by comparison.
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susannah
“Others fell into the good ground and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some produced thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much.”
Mark 4:8
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susannah are examples of the seed that fell upon good soil. Not only did they grow in their faith, but they thrived.
These women came to Jesus from difficult backgrounds. Each one found healing and grace when they met the Savior. We know little about Susannah. Like Joanna and Mary, she also gave to the ministry of Jesus from her own resources. Joanna risked her safety; she was married to King Herod’s steward. Mary of Magdala was freed from demons by Jesus.
Jesus acknowledged and valued these women as His precious daughters. The material gifts they gave were not to purchase their place with Christ. They knew their redemption came by His grace alone. But their love for Jesus compelled them to tell the Gospel story to others so that they would know Him, too.
“…and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others who served them from their possessions.“
Luke 8:1-3
Let this parable from Jesus inspire you to share the Gospel story with others. Examine your heart first, to be sure that you truly know Him. Turn away from apathy and be determined to give all your days to serving Jesus.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
World English Bible (WEB)
by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 