Telling Parables: the Parable of the Sower
Jesus Christ, while in Capernaum, went to the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Many people gathered around Him. He got into a small boat and sat there. The people stood on the beach, and m the boat, He began to teach them in parables.
Jesus Christ said, “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and were trodden under foot, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil; immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but soon they were scorched, and since they had no roots they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good rich soil, and grew and yielded abundant fruit.”
Then, when the disciples asked Jesus Christ, “What does this parable mean?” He explained to them:
Seed is the Word of God (the Gospels).
Sower is the one who spreads the Word of God.
Soil is the heart of man.
The ground along the path where the seed fell indicates careless and profligate people, in the hearts of whom the Word of God does not have access. The Devil without trouble steals it and carries it away from them, so that they do not believe and are not saved.
Rocky ground signifies people who are inconstant and fainthearted. They willingly hear the Word of God, but it does not take hold in their souls, and they fall away from the faith at the first temptation, grief, or persecution over the Word of God. Thorns signify people for whom everyday cares, wealth, and various vices stifle in the heart the Word of God.
Good rich soil signifies people with good hearts. They pay attention to the Word of God, treasure it in their hearts, and patiently try to fulfill everything that it teaches. Their fruit is good deeds, for which they are awarded the Kingdom of Heaven.
Note: See the Gospels of Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15.
by Fr. Seraphim Slobodskoy)