le those who were
attentive and rightly disposed toward him to remember more easily the
teachings of the Master; while to inattentive or hostile minds the meaning
would be veiled. V. 10. This twofold purpose met the demands of the crisis
which had arisen, due on the one hand to the increasing popularity of
Jesus' teachings and on the other to the murderous hatred and dark plots
of the Pharisees and scribes.

The parable of the Sower thus forms a proper introduction to all the
parables for they are vehicles of truth, and our Lord here made it clear
that the effect of truth depends upon the spiritual state of the hearers.
This is sometimes called the parable of the Soils, for it illustrates the
various states of heart found among men to whom the Christian message
comes.

In some cases "the word of God," whether preached by Christ or by his
followers, falls on hearts which are pictured by the hard-trodden footpath
which runs through the field of grain. No possible impression can be made.
The Word finds no entrance and Satan snatches it away as a bird picks up
the grain which falls by the wayside. Faith and salvation cannot result.

Other hearers are compared to the thin layer of earth which covers a ledge
of stone. Seed which falls into such soil springs up most quickly because
warmed by the underlying rock; but as the roots cannot strike downward,
the grain soon withers beneath the scorching sun. So there are hearers who
receive with joy the message of life, but when subjected to the
persecution and trials which followers of Christ must endure, they quickly
desert his cause.

Other hearers are compared to seed which falls where thorns are growing.
This seed springs into life but it has not room for development. It is
robbed by the thorns of its needed nourishment. Thus some Christians are
so preoccupied by "cares and riches and pleasures" that they can bear no
spiritual fruit.

There are those, however, who are like seed which fell on "good ground"
and "brought forth fruit a hundredfold;" they receive the truth "in an
honest and good heart" and patiently and perseveringly they produce in
their lives a golden harvest of grain.

The great message of the parable is summarized in the words of our Lord,
"Take heed therefore how ye hear." V. 18. The purpose of his parables, as
of all his teachings, was to give spiritual light. Those who love him and
obey his word will have their understanding quickened and their knowledge