“Listen!”, Jesus said, “a farmer went out to plant some seed…..” (Mark 4:3)
Jesus used parables for multiple reasons, one of which was for the purpose of helping the finite human mind connect with the infinite mind of God. In other words, by using parables God was using imagery we human beings could understand – sometimes. 🙂
The “parable of the sower” is unique because Mark actually records Jesus taking the disciples aside and explaining it to them, scene by scene. We get to “sit in” on the explanation. As with anything Jesus spoke about, there are numerous “sermons” in this passage. Allow me to highlight just one. 🙂
After giving examples of seed (the Word of God i.e. the gospel) falling on varying types of soil (representing different levels of human reception), Jesus concludes with, “Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
Did you catch that?
Unless one has an agrarian background it’s easy to miss. But Jesus’ audience, full of farmers, caught every word.
John MacArthur helps bring context: “A average ratio of harvested grain to what had been planted was 8 to 1, with 10 to 1 considered exceptional. The harvest to which Jesus refers – 100 to 1 – is simply unbelievable.”
Unbelievable? In human terms, sure. Impossible? Not according to God’s economy. Jesus told his disciples, “All things are possible with God.”
Need help forgiving someone? The “seed” of mercy and forgiveness was planted in your heart the moment you professed faith in Christ. Need discernment and wisdom for an important decision? That “seed” was planted in you when you met Christ. Need strength for the weary? Patience for the hurried? It’s there in you. HE’s there in you. Allow the Holy Spirit to “bring to harvest” the “seed” planted in you through the gospel of Christ.
As a believer, the very presence and power of God is waiting to be unleashed in your life – a hundredfold.
Soli Deo Gloria, Nick
