Mark 4:14-20

Passage

Jesus now unpacks the parable.  The sower sows the seed, which is the Word of God.  The seed (word) sown along the path is heard, but it is snatched up by Satan (the birds) as soon as it is heard.  The seeds along the rocky ground grow with short-term joy.  But when things get tough or old, they wither.  Other seeds are cast among thorns.  The seed grows well until the thorns around the seed and the thorns eventual squeeze the seed out.  However, there is also seed that is sown in the good soil.  This seed bears fruit of varying degrees.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The seed on the path is an interesting first case.  Notice that the seed is sown. The Word is heard.  But the word is snatched up.  It doesn’t even have a chance to take root.  Satan comes along and the Word is immediately discarded.  There is no response, no growth, and no reaction.  This is always a possibility when people hear the word of God.

Have you been in one of those moments when the Word is spoken and you just aren’t ready to receive it at all?  How does that feel?  What can you do to prevent being in those types of situations?

Second Thought:

The next two cases are reasonably similar.  In one instance, the seed is not able to take true root.  It grows a little, but it is quickly oppressed by persecution.  In another instance, the seed can take root, but there is so much else going on that the plant can’t grow.  Both cases bring about death.  No spiritual rooting implies death.  No spiritual growth implies death.  Whether from the cares of the world or the persecution of the world, if we are not careful we can end up with the Word of God producing nothing.

Have you ever been so busy you didn’t have time for God?  How does that feel?  Have you ever been so happy to hear God’s Word at one moment but then you do nothing with it?  How does that feel?

Third Thought:

The final soil is the good soil.  The Word is heard.  The Word can truly take root.  The Word can properly grow.  All three things naturally conclude with a harvest.  There is fruit.  When we are rooted in God and grow in His word, we can be assured of a harvest.

How does it feel when the Word of God takes root?  How does it feel when the Word of God causes growth?  What does it feel like to have a harvest?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 4:21-23