Sowers Of The Seed
Preaching
Preaching the Parables
Series II, Cycle A
Object:
The same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3And he told them many things in parables, saying: "Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9Let anyone with ears listen!" 18"Hear then the parable of the sower. 19When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty."
This parable is titled "The Sower." That puts the emphasis on the person who preaches or teaches the word. Yet the parable does not do much in the way of describing the characteristics of the sower. In this particular instance one would suppose that Jesus implies that he is the sower. If we choose to emphasize this aspect of the parable, then we might concentrate on the question of how the contemporary sower corresponds to Jesus as the one who proclaims the message.
We might also call this parable "The Seed." That would put the emphasis on the message that is announced or communicated. Again, the parable does not present any details about the seed. No indication is given that the sower chose the seed carefully to be sure it was the best seed. The parable does not say that the sower sifted through the grain carefully to be sure it was pure, that no weeds or thistle seed was mixed in with the grain. If we want to emphasize that part of the parable, then we would examine whether the word that is sown fully represents the message that Jesus would have us communicate.
We might also call the parable "The Soils." Indeed, that is what is described in the passage following the parable. According to the text, when Jesus explained the meaning of the story to his disciples, he talked about the different kinds of soils as representing those who were receptive and responsive to the word which he proclaimed.
Context
Context of the Church Year
The parable and the next two that follow are from Matthew 13:
Pentecost 8. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- "The Sower"
Pentecost 9. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- "Thistles Among The Wheat"
Pentecost 10. Matthew 13:44-52 -- "Treasure And Trash"
The parables are all concerned with the kingdom of heaven. They present differing views of the same subject. They lend themselves well to looking at the same complex topic from different perspectives.
Context of Matthew 13
In Matthew 13 we have another of the major teaching sections introduced by Matthew into the general scheme of Mark's chronology. As noted above, the central theme of the parables is the initial message Jesus proclaimed. "The kingdom of heaven is nearby" [or "within you" or "in your midst" -- all possible meanings from the Greek.] The chapter shows both the positive response of the disciples and the rejection of the people of Nazareth (verses 53-58) and the Pharisees of the earlier chapters.
Context of the Lectionary
The First Lesson. (Genesis 25:19-34) The story is of the birth of two sons to Isaac and Rebekah. They are twin brothers but quite different in their characteristics. They become types for the true descendants of Abraham and the rest of the people of the world. Even though Esau was born first and, under the rule of primogeniture, should have had the inheritance, he sold it to Jacob for a mess of stew when he was famished after a hunt.
The Second Lesson. (Romans 8:1-11) Paul asserts that those who live by the spirit and not by the flesh continue to be made alive by the work of the Spirit within them. The passage contrasts the spirit and the flesh in a somewhat similar way to the first reading where Jacob and Esau are contrasted. The passage also relates to the parable in that the fruitful life is produced by the action of the Spirit.
Gospel. (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23) The parable deals with the response of hearers to the word. The latter verses are the explanation of the parable.
Psalm. (Psalm 119:105-112) The Psalmist contrasts those who live with God's word as a lamp to guide them with the wicked who are trying to trap them. Nevertheless, the faithful seek to live according to God's precepts and decrees forever. It is a prayer to be instructed so as to remain faithful.
Putting it all Together
The lessons have some commonality in the theme of productivity and faithfulness in response to God's action and the dangers from the pressures of the people around them or the temptations of the flesh.
Context of Related Scriptures
Hebrews 6:7-8 -- Ground producing thorns and thistles.
2 Esdras 8:41 -- Seed sown but not all fruitful.
Jeremiah 31:27 -- God the sower.
Context of the Pericope
A parable generally has a single point. In some respects the parable is more of an allegory, though the main point of the parable is the consequence in the life of those who hear the message of the kingdom of heaven. The danger of allegorizing the scriptures is that persons may be led into all kinds of fanciful interpretations.
In the case of the parable, the danger is avoided by providing a controlling interpretation. The response of various persons who hear Jesus' message corresponds to the different kinds of soils on which the seed of the sower falls. Three soils are not fruitful in producing results because of the conditions of the soil.
The analogy of the various kinds of soil to different people is not perfect, since the soil is passive and people are not. The nature of the soils is given. Persons have some freedom to respond. It depends on whether people act on the seed sown (the word) or simply react to their natural state.
Thesis: 13:1-9 -- Good soil brings a rich harvest of the spirit.
13:18-23 -- Hearing also requires understanding.
Theme: 13:1-9 -- The word has a one in four chance of succeeding in producing good fruit.
13:18-23 -- Christians should be aware of obstacles to belief and avoid them.
Key Words of the Parable
1. "That same day." (v. 1) The previous two chapters deal with the attempt of the rising controversy Jesus had in response to his ministry. Still he has a popularity among the common people. Chapter 13 shifts from the controversy to Jesus' preaching to the multitudes rather than to the arguments with his opponents.
2. "The sea." (v. 1) The ministry is relocated from his hometown of Nazareth to the area around the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, now called Lake Tiberias.
3. "Listen!" (v. 3) Other versions translate the term as "Behold." It is an attention-getting device. Jesus, in a boat with a multitude of people scattered along the shore, needed some way to bring the crowd to focus. Experts on communications talk about the need to provide a "hook" at the beginning of a message. We need that admonition also.
4. "Sowing." (vv. 4-7) In Palestine the method of sowing was different from what is known in industrialized countries today. The persons planting seeds used the broadcast method. They walked along a strip, scattering the seed from a bag slung over the shoulder and hanging at about waist level. As they finished the strip, they went back and plowed it to mix the seed into the soil. In some instances two persons worked together, one scattering the seed and the other following with the plow. In this way the soil on which the seed might be lodged was somewhat haphazard and the seed might be cast on different kinds of soil.
5. "On the path." (v. 4) People and animals tend to follow well-worn tracks. They choose either the most direct or easy way to their goal. The earth then gets compacted as they traverse the same path. The seeds would lie on the top of the ground and be readily visible to birds who would eat them.
6. "Rocky ground." (v. 5) In Palestine the soil is often a very thin layer over a sub-strata of rocks. Without the deep plowing that is possible with modern metal plows, the sower would not know that a particular spot had rocks close to the surface. The roots would have no depth and little moisture, so the plant would wither and die under the blazing sun.
7. "Thorns." (v. 7) The cultivation of the soil on agricultural land in Palestine did not go deep enough to remove the roots of thistles and thorns. Seed planted would not grow up fast enough to get ahead of thistles and thorns which started from roots and not seeds. Some of these plants grow to the height of five or six feet and could strangle the grain.
8. "Some hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (v. 8) Such return would be an unusually rich harvest. The average productivity in the United States is about thirtyfold, even with advanced agriculture, including hybrid seeds, mechanical plowing and planting, and the use of fertilizers.
9. "Ears." (v. 9) The important thing is not just hearing the sound of words. The more important thing is to understand and obey the meaning of the words. They need to be translated into life and action.
10. "Kingdom." (v. 18) While the kingdom has a future fulfillment, it is already present in the spiritual community. It has God as the sovereign Lord and Christ as its head. It is realized wherever the church is living in obedience to God as king.
11. "Trouble or persecution." (v. 21) Some raise the question as to whether this phrase is anticipation of what is to come or is a later addition by the church at the time Matthew or Mark wrote their gospel accounts. In any event it is a warning against the danger of falling away when opposition comes.
Contemplation
Insights
1. Our Responsibilities as Sower. If we sow the seed of the word, we may have some concern about where it is deposited. The main responsibility for creating the results lies with the Holy Spirit at work in those who listen, but we must do the best in our ability to make the word understood. Jesus used parables so that people would remember the story even if they did not immediately grasp its application. Later at an appropriate time it might hit home with them.
2. The Harvest of Fruit. Our concern should not be how great the harvest of fruit is, to get caught in the numbers game as the only measure of successful activity. Rather it is that there is some harvest, whether thirty, sixty, or one hundredfold. Invidious comparisons among Christians or Christian groups should not be made in terms of the amount of fruit (growth) produced. It should rather be that we are faithful "sowers of the seed."
3. The Central Point of the Parable. The central point of the parable should grant hope. The Holy Spirit will not leave the word devoid of results. We should not be too disturbed about the kind of soil in which we sow the word. Some of it will produce results, not so much because of our doing, but because the soil is receptive already.
4. Sowing the Seed Prolifically. The sower is not stingy in sowing the seed. The sower continued to sow even where it did not appear to be productive of fruit. The opportunity ought to be offered to respond and be fruitful.
5. The Seed is the Word. A Christian is a person who is born again. The word, both spoken and acted, is the seed that activates the process that leads to a new birth. Those who teach and preach are servants of the word. They plant the seed but it takes time for it to germinate and develop until it produces the fruit of the new life in Christ.
Homily Hints
1. A Variety of Soils. What are the various personality types who respond to the word proclaimed?
A. The Overly Intellectual. Persons such as Nicodemus in John 3 are too prosaic. They include the bigot who has a closed mind, or the person who cannot see any truth to the spiritual realm beyond the physical and material.
B. The Overly Emotional. Some people respond quickly and easily to every appeal. They quickly flit from one interest to another which moves them at the moment.
C. The Defective Will. These are led by their desires. They are distracted by the pursuit of pleasures, fame, or wealth. They have a low frustration level so that they cannot stand any deferred reward. They make no persistent commitment to anything beyond themselves.
D. The Receptive Mind. People who have a balance of head, heart, and backbone consult all their powers. They make a commitment to the reality which fulfills their total personality.
2. Cultivating the Soil. While the parable does not discuss the way in which the soil can be prepared, cultivating the soil can be helpful in allowing the seed to take root.
A. Watering the Soil. It has been said that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Someone has suggested that you can put salt in the water. People often know only their wants and not their needs. Making them conscious of the need may help.
B. Fertilizing the Soil. Adding examples of the productive life may help persons to be enriched by following them and enriching their lives.
C. Sunlight Needed. Light needs to be shed to overcome the negative effects of the darkness in the world.
3. The Power of Preaching.
A. Depends on the Quality of the Seed.
B. Depends on the Nature of the Soil.
C. The Results are the Fruits of the Spirit.
4. The Perils of Prosperity.
A. The Illusion of Self-sufficiency.
B. The Attraction of Wealth.
C. The Necessity that Truth be Tested.
5. The Fruitful Life. How does the seed of the word affect our behavior in various areas of life?
A. In Personal Life.
B. In Social Life.
C. In Spiritual Life.
Contact
Points of Contact
1. Barriers to Communication. Preaching and teaching are about communication. For successful communication, both a sender and receiver are required. Often "static" interferes between the sender and receiver so that the message does not get through. People may be preoccupied with some personal problem that prevents them from listening. People who are hungry or on drugs cannot hear because of their internal state. The actions of the sender may belie the message that is being sent. If no integrity exists between the message being sent and the action of the sender, the wrong message may get through to the receiver. Talking over the heads of people is not a sign of erudition, but of poor aim with the message. With an increasing aging population, more people have problems hearing. Frequently among the older people, one hears them say, "I could not understand a word he said!" Jesus knew his audience and addressed them where they were.
2. The Need for Active Listening. It is part of the responsibility of hearers to interact with the speaker. They need to be aroused so that they do not listen passively, but ask themselves: What does this mean for me, how does it apply to my life situation, what changes do I need to make? A good listening congregation can draw the best out of a preacher or teacher.
3. A Cross-cultural Sowing. The sower does not take full responsibility for the kind of fruit resulting from the seed. In times past, persons engaged in sowing the seed in cultures other than their own often too easily identified the form of their culture with the substance of the message. Increasingly it is recognized that the seed must be sown so that persons know the central message of the kingdom. The forms which it takes should be allowed to emerge as the persons apply the message in their own time and place, rather than in some preconceived essential cultural form.
Points to Ponder
1. How much responsibility do we take for the soil? Do we too easily assume that the only place and time for presenting the message of the kingdom is in a church building at a traditional time? Do we need to find ways to reach people at a time and place more convenient to them? Jesus met the multitudes, not in the synagogue or temple only, or on the sabbath only. He preached from a boat on the seashore when the multitudes met him there. He went out of the house and did not wait for the people to come to him (see vv. 1-3).
2. The Holy Spirit's Action. When do we become too anxious about the harvest that must come from our preaching? In some Moslem cultures, more dead missionaries are buried than live Christians are found. How long does one labor and sow in waiting for the Holy Spirit to fructify our work?
Illustrative Materials
1. Strangeness of Seed Sprouting. Sometimes the word given has surprising results. Once in speaking to two young men, a person was trying to convince one of them to consider a college and seminary preparation with possibility of entering the ministry. He assumed that only one of the two showed such promise. Interestingly enough, the person addressed enrolled at college, but left after a very short time and never completed college. The other, in part because of the conversation, came to the college, went to seminary, and prepared for the ministry.
2. The Uncertainty of Return. Someone once pointed out the low return for Jesus among his disciples. One betrayed him. Only three seemed to be closely related to him during his lifetime. Not many of the disciples were prominent in the early church. So that his "batting average" with the disciples was not high, but for those who responded, the results were amazing.
3. Sponges. If we change the image from soils and seeds, we might suggest that some hearers are like sponges. They may absorb the message given, but they have to be pressed to give up to others what has been received.
4. Results Exceeding the Sower. Teachers often find that their students go on to do greater and better things than the teachers were ever able to accomplish personally. It is gratifying to have students who are prodded or inspired to go on to greater heights than might have been expected when they were students.
5. Planting Seeds Early in Life. In Russia attempts were made for more than two generations to eliminate Christianity. It was eliminated from the schools, attacked and discouraged. The society was officially atheist. The babushkas (usually grandmothers of children) took care of the children because both parents worked. They shared with the grandchildren their faith. Thus Christianity was not eliminated and since the collapse of the Soviet Union is making a remarkable comeback. The churches are full and a great demand exists for Bibles. It is probably no accident that Gorbachev, who started the reform, was baptized as a child. Seed was planted early and later bore fruit.
This parable is titled "The Sower." That puts the emphasis on the person who preaches or teaches the word. Yet the parable does not do much in the way of describing the characteristics of the sower. In this particular instance one would suppose that Jesus implies that he is the sower. If we choose to emphasize this aspect of the parable, then we might concentrate on the question of how the contemporary sower corresponds to Jesus as the one who proclaims the message.
We might also call this parable "The Seed." That would put the emphasis on the message that is announced or communicated. Again, the parable does not present any details about the seed. No indication is given that the sower chose the seed carefully to be sure it was the best seed. The parable does not say that the sower sifted through the grain carefully to be sure it was pure, that no weeds or thistle seed was mixed in with the grain. If we want to emphasize that part of the parable, then we would examine whether the word that is sown fully represents the message that Jesus would have us communicate.
We might also call the parable "The Soils." Indeed, that is what is described in the passage following the parable. According to the text, when Jesus explained the meaning of the story to his disciples, he talked about the different kinds of soils as representing those who were receptive and responsive to the word which he proclaimed.
Context
Context of the Church Year
The parable and the next two that follow are from Matthew 13:
Pentecost 8. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 -- "The Sower"
Pentecost 9. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -- "Thistles Among The Wheat"
Pentecost 10. Matthew 13:44-52 -- "Treasure And Trash"
The parables are all concerned with the kingdom of heaven. They present differing views of the same subject. They lend themselves well to looking at the same complex topic from different perspectives.
Context of Matthew 13
In Matthew 13 we have another of the major teaching sections introduced by Matthew into the general scheme of Mark's chronology. As noted above, the central theme of the parables is the initial message Jesus proclaimed. "The kingdom of heaven is nearby" [or "within you" or "in your midst" -- all possible meanings from the Greek.] The chapter shows both the positive response of the disciples and the rejection of the people of Nazareth (verses 53-58) and the Pharisees of the earlier chapters.
Context of the Lectionary
The First Lesson. (Genesis 25:19-34) The story is of the birth of two sons to Isaac and Rebekah. They are twin brothers but quite different in their characteristics. They become types for the true descendants of Abraham and the rest of the people of the world. Even though Esau was born first and, under the rule of primogeniture, should have had the inheritance, he sold it to Jacob for a mess of stew when he was famished after a hunt.
The Second Lesson. (Romans 8:1-11) Paul asserts that those who live by the spirit and not by the flesh continue to be made alive by the work of the Spirit within them. The passage contrasts the spirit and the flesh in a somewhat similar way to the first reading where Jacob and Esau are contrasted. The passage also relates to the parable in that the fruitful life is produced by the action of the Spirit.
Gospel. (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23) The parable deals with the response of hearers to the word. The latter verses are the explanation of the parable.
Psalm. (Psalm 119:105-112) The Psalmist contrasts those who live with God's word as a lamp to guide them with the wicked who are trying to trap them. Nevertheless, the faithful seek to live according to God's precepts and decrees forever. It is a prayer to be instructed so as to remain faithful.
Putting it all Together
The lessons have some commonality in the theme of productivity and faithfulness in response to God's action and the dangers from the pressures of the people around them or the temptations of the flesh.
Context of Related Scriptures
Hebrews 6:7-8 -- Ground producing thorns and thistles.
2 Esdras 8:41 -- Seed sown but not all fruitful.
Jeremiah 31:27 -- God the sower.
Context of the Pericope
A parable generally has a single point. In some respects the parable is more of an allegory, though the main point of the parable is the consequence in the life of those who hear the message of the kingdom of heaven. The danger of allegorizing the scriptures is that persons may be led into all kinds of fanciful interpretations.
In the case of the parable, the danger is avoided by providing a controlling interpretation. The response of various persons who hear Jesus' message corresponds to the different kinds of soils on which the seed of the sower falls. Three soils are not fruitful in producing results because of the conditions of the soil.
The analogy of the various kinds of soil to different people is not perfect, since the soil is passive and people are not. The nature of the soils is given. Persons have some freedom to respond. It depends on whether people act on the seed sown (the word) or simply react to their natural state.
Thesis: 13:1-9 -- Good soil brings a rich harvest of the spirit.
13:18-23 -- Hearing also requires understanding.
Theme: 13:1-9 -- The word has a one in four chance of succeeding in producing good fruit.
13:18-23 -- Christians should be aware of obstacles to belief and avoid them.
Key Words of the Parable
1. "That same day." (v. 1) The previous two chapters deal with the attempt of the rising controversy Jesus had in response to his ministry. Still he has a popularity among the common people. Chapter 13 shifts from the controversy to Jesus' preaching to the multitudes rather than to the arguments with his opponents.
2. "The sea." (v. 1) The ministry is relocated from his hometown of Nazareth to the area around the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, now called Lake Tiberias.
3. "Listen!" (v. 3) Other versions translate the term as "Behold." It is an attention-getting device. Jesus, in a boat with a multitude of people scattered along the shore, needed some way to bring the crowd to focus. Experts on communications talk about the need to provide a "hook" at the beginning of a message. We need that admonition also.
4. "Sowing." (vv. 4-7) In Palestine the method of sowing was different from what is known in industrialized countries today. The persons planting seeds used the broadcast method. They walked along a strip, scattering the seed from a bag slung over the shoulder and hanging at about waist level. As they finished the strip, they went back and plowed it to mix the seed into the soil. In some instances two persons worked together, one scattering the seed and the other following with the plow. In this way the soil on which the seed might be lodged was somewhat haphazard and the seed might be cast on different kinds of soil.
5. "On the path." (v. 4) People and animals tend to follow well-worn tracks. They choose either the most direct or easy way to their goal. The earth then gets compacted as they traverse the same path. The seeds would lie on the top of the ground and be readily visible to birds who would eat them.
6. "Rocky ground." (v. 5) In Palestine the soil is often a very thin layer over a sub-strata of rocks. Without the deep plowing that is possible with modern metal plows, the sower would not know that a particular spot had rocks close to the surface. The roots would have no depth and little moisture, so the plant would wither and die under the blazing sun.
7. "Thorns." (v. 7) The cultivation of the soil on agricultural land in Palestine did not go deep enough to remove the roots of thistles and thorns. Seed planted would not grow up fast enough to get ahead of thistles and thorns which started from roots and not seeds. Some of these plants grow to the height of five or six feet and could strangle the grain.
8. "Some hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (v. 8) Such return would be an unusually rich harvest. The average productivity in the United States is about thirtyfold, even with advanced agriculture, including hybrid seeds, mechanical plowing and planting, and the use of fertilizers.
9. "Ears." (v. 9) The important thing is not just hearing the sound of words. The more important thing is to understand and obey the meaning of the words. They need to be translated into life and action.
10. "Kingdom." (v. 18) While the kingdom has a future fulfillment, it is already present in the spiritual community. It has God as the sovereign Lord and Christ as its head. It is realized wherever the church is living in obedience to God as king.
11. "Trouble or persecution." (v. 21) Some raise the question as to whether this phrase is anticipation of what is to come or is a later addition by the church at the time Matthew or Mark wrote their gospel accounts. In any event it is a warning against the danger of falling away when opposition comes.
Contemplation
Insights
1. Our Responsibilities as Sower. If we sow the seed of the word, we may have some concern about where it is deposited. The main responsibility for creating the results lies with the Holy Spirit at work in those who listen, but we must do the best in our ability to make the word understood. Jesus used parables so that people would remember the story even if they did not immediately grasp its application. Later at an appropriate time it might hit home with them.
2. The Harvest of Fruit. Our concern should not be how great the harvest of fruit is, to get caught in the numbers game as the only measure of successful activity. Rather it is that there is some harvest, whether thirty, sixty, or one hundredfold. Invidious comparisons among Christians or Christian groups should not be made in terms of the amount of fruit (growth) produced. It should rather be that we are faithful "sowers of the seed."
3. The Central Point of the Parable. The central point of the parable should grant hope. The Holy Spirit will not leave the word devoid of results. We should not be too disturbed about the kind of soil in which we sow the word. Some of it will produce results, not so much because of our doing, but because the soil is receptive already.
4. Sowing the Seed Prolifically. The sower is not stingy in sowing the seed. The sower continued to sow even where it did not appear to be productive of fruit. The opportunity ought to be offered to respond and be fruitful.
5. The Seed is the Word. A Christian is a person who is born again. The word, both spoken and acted, is the seed that activates the process that leads to a new birth. Those who teach and preach are servants of the word. They plant the seed but it takes time for it to germinate and develop until it produces the fruit of the new life in Christ.
Homily Hints
1. A Variety of Soils. What are the various personality types who respond to the word proclaimed?
A. The Overly Intellectual. Persons such as Nicodemus in John 3 are too prosaic. They include the bigot who has a closed mind, or the person who cannot see any truth to the spiritual realm beyond the physical and material.
B. The Overly Emotional. Some people respond quickly and easily to every appeal. They quickly flit from one interest to another which moves them at the moment.
C. The Defective Will. These are led by their desires. They are distracted by the pursuit of pleasures, fame, or wealth. They have a low frustration level so that they cannot stand any deferred reward. They make no persistent commitment to anything beyond themselves.
D. The Receptive Mind. People who have a balance of head, heart, and backbone consult all their powers. They make a commitment to the reality which fulfills their total personality.
2. Cultivating the Soil. While the parable does not discuss the way in which the soil can be prepared, cultivating the soil can be helpful in allowing the seed to take root.
A. Watering the Soil. It has been said that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Someone has suggested that you can put salt in the water. People often know only their wants and not their needs. Making them conscious of the need may help.
B. Fertilizing the Soil. Adding examples of the productive life may help persons to be enriched by following them and enriching their lives.
C. Sunlight Needed. Light needs to be shed to overcome the negative effects of the darkness in the world.
3. The Power of Preaching.
A. Depends on the Quality of the Seed.
B. Depends on the Nature of the Soil.
C. The Results are the Fruits of the Spirit.
4. The Perils of Prosperity.
A. The Illusion of Self-sufficiency.
B. The Attraction of Wealth.
C. The Necessity that Truth be Tested.
5. The Fruitful Life. How does the seed of the word affect our behavior in various areas of life?
A. In Personal Life.
B. In Social Life.
C. In Spiritual Life.
Contact
Points of Contact
1. Barriers to Communication. Preaching and teaching are about communication. For successful communication, both a sender and receiver are required. Often "static" interferes between the sender and receiver so that the message does not get through. People may be preoccupied with some personal problem that prevents them from listening. People who are hungry or on drugs cannot hear because of their internal state. The actions of the sender may belie the message that is being sent. If no integrity exists between the message being sent and the action of the sender, the wrong message may get through to the receiver. Talking over the heads of people is not a sign of erudition, but of poor aim with the message. With an increasing aging population, more people have problems hearing. Frequently among the older people, one hears them say, "I could not understand a word he said!" Jesus knew his audience and addressed them where they were.
2. The Need for Active Listening. It is part of the responsibility of hearers to interact with the speaker. They need to be aroused so that they do not listen passively, but ask themselves: What does this mean for me, how does it apply to my life situation, what changes do I need to make? A good listening congregation can draw the best out of a preacher or teacher.
3. A Cross-cultural Sowing. The sower does not take full responsibility for the kind of fruit resulting from the seed. In times past, persons engaged in sowing the seed in cultures other than their own often too easily identified the form of their culture with the substance of the message. Increasingly it is recognized that the seed must be sown so that persons know the central message of the kingdom. The forms which it takes should be allowed to emerge as the persons apply the message in their own time and place, rather than in some preconceived essential cultural form.
Points to Ponder
1. How much responsibility do we take for the soil? Do we too easily assume that the only place and time for presenting the message of the kingdom is in a church building at a traditional time? Do we need to find ways to reach people at a time and place more convenient to them? Jesus met the multitudes, not in the synagogue or temple only, or on the sabbath only. He preached from a boat on the seashore when the multitudes met him there. He went out of the house and did not wait for the people to come to him (see vv. 1-3).
2. The Holy Spirit's Action. When do we become too anxious about the harvest that must come from our preaching? In some Moslem cultures, more dead missionaries are buried than live Christians are found. How long does one labor and sow in waiting for the Holy Spirit to fructify our work?
Illustrative Materials
1. Strangeness of Seed Sprouting. Sometimes the word given has surprising results. Once in speaking to two young men, a person was trying to convince one of them to consider a college and seminary preparation with possibility of entering the ministry. He assumed that only one of the two showed such promise. Interestingly enough, the person addressed enrolled at college, but left after a very short time and never completed college. The other, in part because of the conversation, came to the college, went to seminary, and prepared for the ministry.
2. The Uncertainty of Return. Someone once pointed out the low return for Jesus among his disciples. One betrayed him. Only three seemed to be closely related to him during his lifetime. Not many of the disciples were prominent in the early church. So that his "batting average" with the disciples was not high, but for those who responded, the results were amazing.
3. Sponges. If we change the image from soils and seeds, we might suggest that some hearers are like sponges. They may absorb the message given, but they have to be pressed to give up to others what has been received.
4. Results Exceeding the Sower. Teachers often find that their students go on to do greater and better things than the teachers were ever able to accomplish personally. It is gratifying to have students who are prodded or inspired to go on to greater heights than might have been expected when they were students.
5. Planting Seeds Early in Life. In Russia attempts were made for more than two generations to eliminate Christianity. It was eliminated from the schools, attacked and discouraged. The society was officially atheist. The babushkas (usually grandmothers of children) took care of the children because both parents worked. They shared with the grandchildren their faith. Thus Christianity was not eliminated and since the collapse of the Soviet Union is making a remarkable comeback. The churches are full and a great demand exists for Bibles. It is probably no accident that Gorbachev, who started the reform, was baptized as a child. Seed was planted early and later bore fruit.
