That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

We are almost in the season of planting in Idaho. The trees are budding early this year, and the nurseries are full of garden plants and vegetables. Who knows if we will have enough water for the farms? I guess it is like in Biblical times. They had to trust God for the rain.

Much about the process of growing a crop is like how God’s kingdom works. So before we get into the spiritual significance of all of the types of soil, I thought we could talk about the context of this great parable.

First, we see that Jesus went to sit by the lake. When I go and sit by a lake, it is usually for the peace and quiet, the calming sound of the waves breaking, and the views.

However, people who wanted to hear the truth, came to pay him a visit in the middle of his break. And they came in droves. How do I respond when people who are hungry for the truth interrupt my day, my week or my schedule?

So he spoke to them in analogies called parables. He chose to relate the truths of God to them in stories. Developing stories or analogies to relate to a truth can take serious planning ahead. My guess is Jesus had been thinking ahead about the best ways to relate to truths about God’s salvation process to the people.

Everyone can relate to farming as this was an agricultural society. Each of the four types of soil actually exists in real life. Not all seeds provide a good crop.

I think one of the things he was sharing here is that when we spread good seed in life, not all of it will have a return. But that which does will be incredibly multiplied.

Am I spreading the seed of God’s word every day? Am I faithful to spread seed, and leave the outcomes in the Lord’s hands?

Lord, thank you for this parable that helps me understand how it is when I serve you by spreading seed. I must work hard and faithfully, and God will honor my work, though not all seeds will produce fruit. Thank you for stepping up and teaching when you might have enjoyed a break.