Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 29:78 (Spring 2025)
Article: The Context Of The Parable Of The Sower
Author: Steve Lewis

JODT 29:78 (Spring 2025) p. 19

The Context Of The Parable Of The Sower

Steve Lewis

* Steve Lewis, M.A., M.Div., SpiritAndTruth.org contributor

The common evangelical interpretation of the parable of the sower focuses on people’s responses to the gospel message for salvation. For example, one commentator summarized the typical interpretation under three points.

(1) Like the sower, God spreads His Word widely among all kinds of people. (2) Like the three kinds of unfruitful soil, many will respond to His Word with less than saving faith, be it (a) complete lack of positive response due to the enticement of evil, (b) temporary superficiality masquerading as true commitment, or (c) genuine interest and conviction about the truth that simply falls short due to the rigorous demands of discipleship. (3) Like the fruitful soil, the only legitimate response to God’s Word is the obedience and perseverance which demonstrate true regeneration.1

Most modern study Bibles and commentaries typically interpret this parable in a similar way. One writer described this common trend while citing several examples of the confusing variety of meanings given to the Parable of the Sower.

Many Bible commentaries assert that Jesus depicted the responses that four different categories of people will have to the gospel, concluding “The gospel will be rejected by most people.” Some claim that only the last soil portrays a believer because it produces fruit. Others assert that only the first soil type represents an unbeliever because the seed germinates in the other three. Therefore, the parable is used to evaluate whether people are saved, unsaved, carnal, persevering, or even not saved but think

JODT 29:78 (Spring 2025) p. 20

they are. The conflicting interpretations result from classifying the four soils as unbelievers and the seed as the message of the gospel.2

Those types of interpretive variations can result from a lack of consideration of the context of the passage. By carefully examining the wider context it should be possible to interpret more accurately the message that Jesus intended to communicate in this parable. The goal of the present study will be to build an accurate interpretation by carefully examining the text and context of the Parable of the Sower.

Background Within The Book Of Matthew

The first task will be to survey the events within Matthew’s narrative of the life of Jesus. The first two chapters of Matthew describe Christ’s royal genealogy, unique birth, and his early life. In chapter 3, John the Baptist announced ...