Parable of the Sower, Part 4 - Good Soil

Author: Joseph

Date: August 31, 2020

The birds, rocky places, and thorns corrupt or remove the seed that is placed on the ground and either kill it or make it fruitless. But what happens when the seed falls on good soil?

Good soil is directly contrasted to the things that were previous to it, but it is important to know that good soil does not mean “perfect soil.” The word “good” used in this verse means “commendable,” “genuine,” or “pure in heart.” This soil, as eager as it is to receive the seed, will have to accept the seed deeply so that the birds do not snatch it away. This soil must be ready to remove the rocks in it or otherwise help the seed navigate around the rocks to have the roots grow firm in it. Good soil must also not give its yield to the thorny plants, but only to the seed that the sower has given it. The birds, the rocks, and the thorns may still be around, but the good soil is prepared to better receive the seed so that it may resist all these outside forces that seek to choke it out and destroy it.

"...to be good soil is to receive God’s word with an honest and genuine heart."

We previously learned that the obstacles of Satan, lack of commitment, and distracting worries take away our trust in God’s word and in His kingdom. Each one of these correlated to the birds, rocky places, and thorns. What then does the good soil represent? The good soil represents people who hear the word of God with an honest and genuine heart (Matthew13:23; Luke 8:15; cf. Matthew 5:8). They are not perfect, but they are humble and ready to receive God’s word and the message of His kingdom (Matthew 5:3). The only thing required to be good soil is to receive God’s word with an honest and genuine heart.

After the seed is planted, then the good soil must faithfully protect the seed while allowing it to grow in them. After we have genuinely received the word of God, we must sincerely care for it, allowing God to grow it in us. Good soil eagerly clings to God’s word and hides it deep in its heart (Psalm 119:10-11; Matthew 5:6). It recognizes the difficulty of being committed to God, but it diligently remains faithful (Matthew 5:10). People who are like good soil do not heed the worries of the world but instead focus their efforts and their lives on seeking God’s will and trusting in Him (Matthew 6:31-34). God will provide the water and the sun (His Spirit and growth through persecution), but we must remain faithful so that He can complete the work in us.

How are you being good soil with the word of God that has been given to you? Do you bear fruit? Or have you allowed one of the obstacles (Satan, lack of commitment, distracting worries) to choke out or steal the word of God that was given to you?

What a wonderful mercy it is that we do not solely rely on word of mouth to hear the word of God like many of those who came before us. We have printed bibles, bible apps, audio bibles, and all sorts of ways to receive His words. If you have previously had this seed, His word, snatched away or choked out, eagerly seek it again and receive it with a genuine and pure heart. Hold fast to His word and the good news of His kingdom and you will see it grow in your life and produce fruit that will last for all eternity.

Matthew 13:1-23