If you visit Moody Bible Institute’s Chicago campus, be sure to check out the entrance lobby in Crowell Hall. There you will find a beautiful stained-glass window called “The Sower.” It pictures the farmer in Matthew 13. With a bag slung over his shoulder, the sower strides through a field, one hand scattering seeds.
We read this parable in two parts. First, the story itself (vv. 1–9). The scattered seeds come to four ends: (1) The birds eat the seeds that fell on the hard surface of the path. (2) Seeds that landed in rocky places sprang up quickly but then withered because they had no root. (3) Seeds that landed among thorns were choked. (4) Finally, seeds that landed in good soil yielded an incredibly fruitful crop.
The second part is Jesus’ explanation, requested by His disciples (vv. 18–23). The seeds represent the message of the kingdom, that is, the gospel. In the reception of this message, there are four results seen in the story: (1) Some people don’t understand, and Satan snatches it away. (2) Some receive it with joy, but they fall away when trouble or persecution comes. (3) Some hear it, but “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness [or ‘seductiveness’] of wealth” choke or suffocate the response. Luke’s version adds “pleasures.” (4) Others hear, understand, and respond in faith and obedience, as seen in their fruitfulness. Only this fourth type is truly saved.
The sower or farmer is not directly identified but is ultimately God, because the gospel of redemption is His plan. He uses angels and human beings in that plan, so it’s not inaccurate to picture pastors, missionaries, and indeed all followers of Christ as scattering the seeds. We’re responsible to sow but reaping or outcomes are up to the Lord.
Go Deeper
Are we being obedient about scattering the seeds? What does that look like in your life? Why is it so important to trust God with the results?
Watch this video as we talk about the Parable of the Sower with devotional author, Dr. Bradley Baurain!
Pray with Us
Jesus, who do You want us to be scattering seeds to? Please give us courage, patience, and discernment to share Your truth well. Thank You for letting us be part of Your plan!
The seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it.Matthew 13:23
