In three different accounts, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we find Jesus explaining the parable of the sower:
“A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold” (Luke 8:5-8).
In Mark 4:13, Jesus said if we don’t understand this parable, then how will we understand all the parables? In other words, there are principles here that you must first understand before anything else will ever make sense to you.
The first principle is this: The SEED is the Word of God and the GROUND is man’s heart.
I have heard people take this parable and say the seed is money and the ground is a ministry or organization. This is not what Jesus said. However, the principles in this parable can be applied to other arenas such as money and giving. But we must first see and understand it as He said, and not as we want it to be.
Jesus went on to explain the four types of heart that God’s Word (the seed) will fall upon: the WAYSIDE heart, the STONY heart, the THORNY heart, and the GOOD heart. Of course, all of us want the “good” heart that will bear 30, 60, or even 100% fruit, but the problem is that none of us are born-again with a perfect heart. This is why we are instructed, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
Each of us received new life at salvation, but the thoughts and intents of the heart must be aligned by God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12) through transformation. So, the bottom line is: YOU ARE THE KEEPER OF YOUR HEART. So what kind of heart are you keeping?
The “wayside” heart is anyone who hears the word of the kingdom, but doesn’t understand it. “Then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart” (Matthew 13:19). In His parable, Jesus said, “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it.”
In order to have a heart that produces a good harvest, the first thing you and I have to do is SHOO THE BIRDS! In other words, don’t entertain thoughts of doubt.
When we hear the word of God, we must make a decision to believe it—whether we understand it or not. Remember, the wayside heart is anyone who hears but doesn’t understand. The devil will immediately attack with doubt and unbelief.
This is why countless people go to church, hear God’s Word, and then don’t remember it the next day. Oh, they might remember “parts” of it, but lest they remember, understand, and apply it to their lives, the enemy steals what was sown in their heart.
Jesus also said the seed which fell by the wayside was “trampled down.” Another reason God’s Word doesn’t bear fruit in people’s lives is because others have talked them out of their faith. Don’t let that happen. When you hear God’s Word, make a decision to believe it and hold on to it. Don’t ever let someone talk you out of faith!
“For without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). The devil doesn’t want you to please God with your faith, so he’ll use family, friends, and ignorant neighbors to trample your faith.
Guard your heart! Recognize his strategies and don’t let that happen. Instead, purpose to be the good heart that keeps God’s Word and refuses to entertain doubt. Remember, you can’t stop the birds from flying over head, but you can stop them from building a nest.
