Jesus often used parables to teach the crowds. A parable is a way of comparing a difficult concept with an easier, familiar, everyday event. Some define a parable as "an earthly story with a heavenly meaning". Jesus used events from their daily lives to illustrate the great concepts He was teaching.
This time, Jesus was teaching about those who hear the gospel, and how people respond to it differently. He used a parable about a sower, sowing seeds--- something they all could relate to, as it was a natural part of their lives. His focus was not on the one who sowed the seeds, however, but rather on the soil. He described four different kinds of soil, which represent four different responses to the gospel, or four different attitudes.
The first response Jesus described as seeds that fell by the wayside; the fowls came and devoured them. The seeds did not fall on fertile soil, but on the hardened, compacted path beside the fields. This describes the response of a hardened heart--- one who hears the word, but will not allow the seed to take a place in their heart; in other words, unbelievers. Because the ground is too hardened to receive the seed, the birds can easily devour it. Verse 19 explains that the wicked one, or Satan, catches the seed and will not allow it to remain in their hearts; a dire warning that one who only hears the word becomes easy prey for the wicked one.
The next response Jesus described is a very superficial one; an emotional but rootless response. He said these seeds fell on stony ground; they came up, but the hot sun soon scorched them and they withered away, because they had no roots. Jesus said this was the person who heard the word, and received it with joy, but soon gave it up when tribulation or persecution came, because the word hadn't taken root in their heart. They get caught up in the emotion of a good message, but never even consider what it might mean in their life. They are attracted to the outward benefits, but basically remain uncommitted to the Lord. God's word has only a superficial place in their hearts and their lives.
Next, Jesus taught about a divided response. He said this is the seed that fells among thorns; the seed sprouted, but the thorns and weeds choked them out. These seeds produced tiny, weak plants, with no fruit. This may represent a genuine response to the gospel, but the cares and worries of this world and the deceitfulness of riches combine to choke out this person's fruitfulness. They have too many other committments to allow the word of God to control their life, consequently, they never mature and bear fruit, a sign of genuine faith.
The last response Jesus taught about was a true and genuine one. He described this as seed that fell into good soil, and brought forth fruit in varying amounts; some brought thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, and some even brought forth a hundredfold! Jesus said this is the person who hears and understands the Word, applying it to their life to bear fruit. This person's heart is not hardened, shallow, or preoccupied with the cares of this world. The message gets through to them and makes a change in their life and the lives of those around them.
The first three kinds of soil in Jesus's parable are all inadequate to bear good fruit. The fault lies not in the seed, but in the condition of the soil; not in the Word, but in the condition of our hearts. A true Christian must stand the test of time, persevering despite difficulties, avoiding the cares of this world and the concerns about money, to be able to bear good fruit. Is the gospel of Jesus Christ bearing fruit in your life?
See also Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15.
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