The Sower

Mark 4:2-8

This is the parable taught by Jesus commonly referred to as the Parable of the Sower. Some think is is a misnomer, as the parable places more emphasis on the types of soil that the Sower is working with rather than on the Sower himself. However, there may be more to the Sower than originally thought.

Basically, we have a farmer sowing his seed. Farming now is different than farming in Jesus' day. It seems that farmers long ago liked to scatter seed rather than placing the seeds neatly in rows. Sowing basically means broadly scattering, with the intention of setting into motion plant growth.

What is Jesus trying to say about the manner in which the seed is scattered? Does casting a broad net increase the chances of growth? Would it not be more efficient to plant only intentionally?

What does this say about the Sower, is He giving each part of land an equal opportunity to receive the seed, even though only 25% of his seeds will land in good soil? Would it not be better to adequately prepare the land by watering, tiling, removing rocks and adding nutrients before scattering?

In the questions above, I am referring to the four types of soils that Jesus mentions: The Path, Rocky Places, Among Thorns and Good Soil. I've heard a million sermons about how people are often times like the different types of soils when receiving the gospel message. We are also like a patchwork of each type of soil in our own hearts when it comes to receiving truths about Jesus in reference to different concepts, like grace, mercy, or forgiveness.

However, perhaps we should explore the different types of soil and why the Sower is knowingly scattering seed on the Path, in Rocky Place or Among Thorns. Do these different soils serve a purpose in the overall garden landscape? The problems these seeds run into are birds, shallow soil, heat and thorny plants. Why not take care of those external problems first, thus increasing the chance that the seeds would take root, bear grain and multiply?

The goal of the seed is to not get eaten up by birds, take root in the soil, receive adequate water, bear grain and produce a crop - 30, 60 or 100 times. The odds of the seed passing through these trials without preparation and help from the Sower are low.

Could Jesus also be trying to say that is that the emphasis IS on the Sower? That we are the seeds, not the soil. We all find ourselves in specific places at specific times and these include situations that are often in the way of temptation, that are rocky and shallow, that are thorny and choke our joy, BUT to realize our need for the Sower to help us along the way and to prepare us for these trials is paramount.

Farmers are farmers by choice. The Farmer takes responsibility for His crop. Farmers are like Shepards, they want to be needed and have the tools in order to protect and grow those gladly under their care. The Sower is not completely absolved from his responsibility.

(PS. I know that Jesus explains the parable in Luke 8, just go with it.)