This parable has three elements—the sower, the seed, and the soil.  While the various kinds of soil have the starring role in this parable, the sower is indispensable.  The parable begins with, “A sower went out to sow” (v. 3).  We need more sowers in the kingdom of God.  We have a lot of sitters, but we need sowers.  We need members who are interested in winning souls.  Too many souls are dying in sin all around us, while many of us stand around with a bag full of seeds doing nothing.  Let us go out and sow the seed.

The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11).  We should have confidence in this seed.  It does not need altering.  It does not need gimmicks to make it more appealing.  Some think only recreation and entertainment can draw people to God, but “the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (Psalms 19:7).  Do not try to change the Word of God.  Do not try to make it better.  Our only job is to sow the seed.

What should we expect when we sow the seed?  First, some have hard hearts (vers. 4, 19).  Their minds are so closed that they turn aside the Word when they hear it. You can quote Scripture to them, but they will ignore it.  They simply are not interested in the Word.  They do not care about heaven.  They are not interested in salvation. They are not concerned about Jesus.  They do not understand the importance of these things.  R.C. Trench says this refers to a person who “does not recognize himself as standing in any relation to the Word.”

Second, some have shallow hearts (vers. 5-6, 20-21).  The stony ground is not the ground full of stones, but a stone surface covered with a thin layer of soil.  The person with a stony heart obeys the gospel, but because the Word is not deeply rooted, he abandons it at the first sign of trouble.  If the preacher says something he does not like, he leaves the faith.  If another member says something that offends him, he leaves the faith.  If his job lays him off, he leaves the faith.  This is the person who simply cannot endure trouble of any kind because the Word did not sink into his heart deeply enough.

Third, some have crowded hearts (vers. 7, 22).  This person shares his heart with materialism.  The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches point to a materialistic heart.  This person worries too much, showing a lack of faith in God.  He then allows riches to deceive him into thinking they are the answer.  Instead of allowing the Word to have an impact on his life, he pursues riches and becomes unfruitful for Christ.

Fourth, some have good hearts (vers. 8, 23).  This is the person who receives the seed, grows in Christ, and brings forth much fruit.  When you have a church filled with these kinds of people, you have a church that thrives and glorifies God.  What kind of soil best describes you?  Remember, only one of them leads to heaven.  Make sure your heart is receptive to the word.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.