“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled on, and the wild birds devoured it. Other seed fell on rock, and when it came up, it withered because it had no moisture. Other seed fell among the thorns, and they grew up with it and choked it. But other seed fell on good soil and grew, and it produced a hundred times as much grain.” As he said this, he called out, “The one who has ears to hear had better listen!”
Luke 8:5-8 NET
The parable of the soils, often called the parable of the sower and the seed, describes four distinct types of soil in a field and how each responds to the seed sown on it. And, in Luke 8:11-15, Jesus explains what the seed and the different soils mean.
The seed is the word of God. It is the gospel message that is proclaimed. Luke does not identify who the sower is, but we can assume it is anyone who shares the gospel with others.
The first soil is a pathway. This soil has been packed down by the people walking on it. The seed lands but does not penetrate and is consumed by birds. This soil represents people who hear the gospel but reject it.
The second soil is a shallow covering of dirt over a rocky area. The seed quickly sprouts and grows for a short time. But the lack of moisture in the soil dooms the plant, and it withers. This soil represents those who initially accept the gospel but fall away when trouble comes.
The third soil contains thorns and weeds. The seed falling here sprouts and grows for a time but is eventually choked out. Like the last one, this soil represents those who hear the gospel and initially receive it. But this life’s worries, riches, and pleasures choke it out.
The final soil is fertile. The seed planted here sprouts and produces a bountiful crop. Like the two previous soils, this soil represents those who hear and receive the gospel. But unlike the two previous soils, the people represented here cling to the word with an honest and good heart and bear fruit with steadfast endurance (Luke 8:15).
Which Type of Soil Are You?
These four different soils represent four ways people respond to the gospel. Which of these soils represent people who are saved? Most would agree that the first was not, while the fourth was. But what about the other two? People debate the salvation of these two groups of people. What is clear is they did not endure and bear fruit.
But rather than using this parable to judge who is saved and who is not, it might be better to use it for a self-evaluation. Are you remaining faithful and fruitful? Or are troubles, worries, riches, and pleasure drawing you away and making you unproductive?
