The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away, Matthew 13:20-21.
If you are like me, you may ask yourself every now and then, “what am I doing?” This self reflective question seeks to understand why you aren’t more productive, successful or victorious in life. Despite attempts at improving my current situation, I feel like I’m stuck in slow motion, unable to get where I want to be. This lack of progress brought me back to examine one of Jesus’ parables.
The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful, Matthew 13:22.
After sharing the parable of the Sower to a crowd of followers, the disciples were confused. At one point, an unidentified disciple urges Jesus to stop be so mysterious as if to demand “why don’t you just come out and say what you mean?” Moments later, Jesus withdraws to explain the meaning of this illustration to his disciples. If you condense the two passages above Jesus suggests that if you don’t have strong spiritual roots, you won’t be able to bear spiritual fruit.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead, James 2:26.
Sometime after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, one of Jesus’ earthly brothers provides further insight on the parable of the Sower. The Holy Spirit is a well spring, the source for spiritual life. Like a root system in need of nutritious soil, human souls will eventually die without an infusion of God’s Spirit. Therefore, if you want to get back on track toward a faith in action, dig deep by implementing the advice of the apostle Paul in Colossians 2:6-7. If you forgo this step I’m afraid you’ll end up like me, no roots and no fruits.
by Jay Mankus
