The Sower

Mark 4:3-20

Introduction: This parable (allegorical story) must be understood by its context in Mark’s Gospel.  The key is 1:14-15, the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry resulting in both the invasion and opposition of the Kingdom (chaps 1-3).

Mk 4:3  Listen; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: [14 The sower sows the word.]

4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.  [15 And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan comes immediately, and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.]

The Hard Hearers: these are those who hear the good news and care nothing for it.  The “seed” has no time to germinate.  They are not interested in Jesus (Jn 10:22-30).

5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: 6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.  [16 And these are they likewise who are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; 17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.]

The Shallow Hearers: these show initial promise, but fall away being “scandalized” by Christ (1Jn 2:19).  What does it look like when the gospel does take root? (Col 3:15-16)

7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.  [18 And these are they who are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.]

The Preoccupied Hearers: notice the kinds of things that crowd the gospel out of our lives –

• The cares of this world (Matt 6:24-34; Phil 4:)
• The deceitfulness of riches (1Tim 6:17-19)
• Desire for “things” (1Jn 2:16)

8 And others fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a hundred.  [20 And these are they who are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.]

The Fruitful Hearers: these not only hear, but receive and live productive lives for God.  What does it look like when the gospel bears fruit?  Gal 5:22-25

9 And he said unto them, He that has ears to hear, let him hear.