The Sown Seed

Background Scripture: Luke 8
Lesson Scripture: Luke 8:4-15

Introduction

The transformation of a seed into a plant is one of the wonders of nature. Scientists study the process and work to make fruit-bearing plants produce more effectively, but regardless of how much we rely on human knowledge to increase the world’s food supply, it is still God’s power that makes a seed germinate and grow.

When the seed of God’s Word falls into the ground of a seeking and searching heart, something begins to happen. By the movements of belief in the Word of God, repentance takes place, and the old seed of sin dies. A new life in Christ begins as a root emerges out of the seed. By divine grace, the planting of spiritual life starts to grow upward, to increase, and to eventually blossom and bring forth beautiful fruit.

As we receive Christ, we plant, water, and work together with God (1 Cor. 3:6-9). In many places the world over, the results of the precious seed being sown continue to yield fruit unto eternal life, but laborers are needed to sow the seed and garner the harvest (Matt. 9:37-38).

Key Verse

It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it (Luke 13:19).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Parables and stories—this was the way Jesus was able to introduce the gospel to multitudes of people. They could better understand the lesson He was trying to portray because He spoke of common, everyday things. Jesus taught with clarity and simplicity, yet many of his listeners missed the real message. His plan was to save souls from the false teachings of that time and ultimately save them from eternal ruin. None of the religious teachings taught by the scribes demonstrated the kind of life-changing power illustrated in Jesus’s parable of the sown seed.

People gathered to Jesus out of every city. Jesus took many opportunities to explain the kingdom of heaven through parables about everyday life. It caught the people’s attention, and the truth was revealed by the very practical illustrations Jesus laid out for them. Their dependence on raising food for personal nourishment was much greater than for most people today, and so they were able to place themselves into those parables and consider their own heart condition.

There are four places where the seed falls: the wayside, on a rock or stony ground, among the thorns, and on good soil. The seed planted in the wayside or roadside was walked on, trampled, and possibly smashed, with some being taken away by birds. The rock was a very difficult spot for the growth of a plant. Any moisture, absolutely necessary for life, was quickly dried up, withering the plant. This environment also proved to be detrimental. The seed that was sown among thorns grew well for a while. It was encouraging to see how those seedlings grew with enthusiasm, but lots of money, complex cares, and pleasurable social involvements were the overshadowing thorn bushes that stifled the spiritual growth of these tender souls. What a disappointing experience for the Master Gardener to see the strangulation of a promising beginning.

The disciples were seeking God’s will, and to them, as to dedicated Christians today, it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Jesus explained the parables with a deeper meaning to the disciples, which the multitudes would not be able to grasp. The parables opened the door for the multitudes to grasp the basic message of regeneration. It gave them just enough to awaken their hunger for truth. The full understanding would come later as they allowed the seed, the Word of God, to germinate in their soul. To see and hear everything clearly was impossible; Jesus knew how far to go with the understanding the multitude had.

The scene of the good ground receiving the seed is the best part of the story. Jesus underlined the significance of bearing fruit and emphasized the importance of listening so hearts can be properly prepared. Repentance allows God’s mercy to warm and soften the soil of our heart so it can receive the Word. He urges us to treasure it and to be honest, producing fruit with patience.

Practical Truths for Today

There are gardens with all kinds of soil just as there are all kinds of heart conditions. An unconditional surrender allows God to change our soil type. It is up to us to allow the seed (the Word) to be sown in our own hearts. Will we disregard it and turn a deaf ear? Will we respond to the nudge He gives us?

A hardened heart can be touched by the gentle promptings of the Spirit of God. Remarkable changes may take place, causing a heart to become soft and fertile. Some onlookers might be amazed at the way in which a spiritual plant will sprout, grow, and flourish in a most unlikely location when chances of its survival seemed questionable. There are times, though, when a transplant may be necessary for survival. Weeds, drought, and other hindrances may be too severe, making it obvious that the plant needs to be moved.

The Word of God has the power to transform the lives of its hearers. When we respond to the seed planted by the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, good fruit springs forth. The passerby takes note of the good fruit and is awakened to the possibility of his or her own heart also being transformed. The miracle of the sprouting seed is ready to take root in the soil of another heart.

Jesus’s last instructions to go into all the world with the gospel are noteworthy. The world is a vast field. May the intensely fascinating allurements of this world never lead us astray from the ever-present mission of sowing God’s seed.

Illustration

Down a rugged mountain trail walked the solitary yet optimistic farmer. He carried a rod, a hoe, and a pouch of precious seed. Having arrived at the field, he stooped down. With careful hands he unearthed a tender seedling to examine the depth and moisture at that precise location.

There had been times when the dry, dusty earth had discouraged him. Kneeling in the field, he had often begged and prayed to God for rain. Today the smell of fresh, moist dirt was in itself encouraging, but more precious by far was the fact of the germination of the good-quality seed he had planted. His rod had poked many holes, at times between boulders, to find a home for that seed. His joy was fulfilled, even though there had been setbacks, on seeing the growth of his field. How beautiful are the feet of those who sow the precious seed (Isa. 52:7).

The coming of the Lord will reveal the final yield of God’s Word in the hearts of mankind.

Questions

1. Is handing out gospel tracts one of the best ways to sow a seed?
2. Does spiritual life in our own heart constantly need nurturing to effectively spread the seed abroad?
3. Do we overlook the importance of planting the seed in the heart of our children?
4. Is the field ours or God’s?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).