Mark 4:1-20

Mark records four parables in chapter 4. In this reading we will only cover one of those which has often been referred to as the “parable of the soils.” A parable was a Jewish form of teaching where the truth was illustrated in a real-life scenario. Jesus further explains why He teaches in parables: “To you [his disciples] it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside [those who reject Christ], all things come in parables…” (4:11). The spiritual meaning of parables is hidden from those who fail to repent of sin and evidence no faith in God; however, those who repent and believe will understand the significance of Jesus’ teachings. This particular parable is being taught by Jesus while he is sitting on a boat and his listeners are on the shore (4:1). His teaching is found in Mark 4:3-9 and the explanation is detailed in Mark 4:10-20. Jesus tells the story of a sower who went out to sow seed. The seed fell on three types of ground: stony ground, thorny ground, and good ground. In brief, the sower is God, the seed is the gospel, and the ground represents the heart of the hearer of the gospel. The seed which fell on stony ground illustrates one who hears the gospel, but it never grows because “Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts” (4:15). Many hear the gospel, but choose not to believe in it because they have been deceived by Satan.

The seed which falls on thorny ground represents those who hear the gospel but “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (4:19). Jesus further says that these people externally accept the gospel but “they have no root in themselves, and so endure for a time. Afterward, when tribulation and persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble” (4:17). This person is consumed with the things of the world and really has no interest in following Christ. Over time this person proves that their heart was never captured by the gospel and therefore they have never been genuinely converted.

The last type of soil which the seed falls on is the good ground. This person embraces the truth about Jesus Christ and continually demonstrates his love for God through his actions. Jesus says that the seed “sown on good ground [are] those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred” (4:20). Out of all three types of soil, this one alone represents a genuine believer of the gospel. God changes their heart and they begin to do good for Him. Everyone does a different work for Him, but the issue is not necessarily the amount of the deeds but the commitment to Jesus Christ.

So, which type of soil describes your heart?

Dear God, may the gospel fall on good ground in my heart. Help it to grow that I might continually do good for Your glory.