Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 05:3 (Jul 1999)
Article: The Parable Of The Sower
Author: Brad McCoy

CTSJ 5:3 (July 1999) p. 2

The Parable Of The Sower

Brad McCoy*

[*Editor’s note: Brad McCoy earned a B.S. in Biology from Lamar University. Then after two years of postgraduate study at the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston, he entered Dallas Theological Seminary and earned a Th.M. (with honor). For the past ten years, he has pastored Tanglewood Bible Fellowship in Duncan, Oklahoma. He was one of the original board members of the Grace Evangelical Society and is the founder and Executive Director of In the Word Ministries. His email address is: [email protected].]

Introduction

In the Parable of the Sower, the Lord Jesus tells a story about a man who scatters seed on four different kinds of soil (Matthew 13:1–20; Mark 4:3–20; Luke 8:4–15).1 The Lord explains that the seed represents the Word of God (Luke 8:11) and the four soils represent different responses to the Word (Matthew 13:19).

Ironically, while this parable is widely known, its meaning often remains unknown. A large number of expositors misinterpret it, by insisting that only the fourth (and final) soil represents the response of born again believers. However, a closer look at the text reveals that only the first soil refers to unregenerate hearts. Furthermore, when this parable is properly understood, the second and third soils admonish believers, warning them against very real pitfalls that thwart consistent spiritual growth and fruit-bearing.

The Fundamental Distinction between the Soils

The key to interpreting this parable is to recognize that only the first soil refers to unregenerate individuals. In stark contrast, the rocky soil, the thorny soil, and the good soil all refer to the hearts of believers. Only in the first soil does the sown seed fail to come to life. Germination in this context symbolizes regeneration (Titus 3:5–6). Although there are important differences among the rocky, the thorny, and the good soils, all three have this one overriding similarity. The seed of the Word germinates in all three!

See chart at the top of next page.

CTSJ 5:3 (July 1999) p. 3