Luke 8:1-18

Four Soil Types

This parable is repeated by each of the first three gospels. It’s important. This is what happens when the Word (Seed) is shared. The Word itself doesn’t change but it’s fruitfulness is directly connected to the kind of heart receiving it. There are four types of hearts (soils) according to this parable.

The Path. This heart is so hard that the seed ever gets planted at all. There is so much going on, so much trampling and shuffling and stomping about that...it doesn’t go in one ear and out the other because it doesn’t even make it into the first ear. Have you ever sat through a sermon and thought about your golf game or the sales at the mall?

The Rock. This soil looks good. In fact it is good for a few inches. Then you hit solid rock. The seed that falls here makes a good start but not for long. Have you ever heard a good sermon and left the meeting full of joy and peace and passion which lasted until you turned on the radio? Gone to a retreat and returned on fire for God until work the next day?

The Thorns. This soil is good soil as well but no one is cultivating it. The word comes and is received and could do well except for all of the “stuff” that is already growing there. Not much passion left for Christ when He has to stand in line with sports, politics, business, etc. Life’s worries, riches, and pleasures.

Good Soil. Good soil is just that and the Word bears fruit in it. A noble and good heart that does three things: retains, perseveres, and bears fruit.