Mark 4:1-20

“Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?” When the disciples asked Jesus about the parable of the sower Jesus’ opening remark seems to indicate that there is something about this parable that is fundamental to understanding all of the other parables of Christ. What could that be?

Obviously this is an important parable. This is the only parable recorded in all three of the synoptic gospels. Both Matthew and Luke record a good number of parables. Mark only records four and this one takes up more space in Mark than the other three combined.

This parable concerns the Word itself. The Word of God is a powerful thing which according to Isaiah 55 accomplishes everything God sends it out to do. However, Jesus indicates here that not all of the seed is fruitful. What’s up with that?

Actually, Isaiah 55:10-11 also uses an agricultural motif in describing the Word:
  As the rain and the snow
      come down from heaven,
      and do not return to it
      without watering the earth
      and making it bud and flourish,
      so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
      so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
      It will not return to me empty,
      but will accomplish what I desire
      and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Ah, but the rain and snow don’t produce seed and bread everywhere. The deciding factor is the soil. God’s powerful Word can produce no fruit in a hard barren heart.

We should take two lessons from this:

It is important to keep our hearts soft and open toward the Word and not allow “stuff” to take its place in us. If we do we will be fruitful.

Don’t despair. While it may seem that only 25% of the seed is fruitful that which is fruitful returns at least 30 and perhaps even 100 fold. In money terms if you invest $100 and lose $75 but the other $25 returns between $750 and $2,500 you’re doing alright. That is still a very good return.