The parable of the soils describes seed that is sown on four different types of ground: the path, rocky places, among thorns, and good soil. [1] The seed represents the word of God. [2] Those who hear the word but do not understand or believe are like the seed that fell on the path and was eaten by birds. [3] Those who initially receive the word with joy but later fall away due to temptation are like the seed sown on rocky ground. [4] Those who hear the word but are choked by worldly cares, riches and pleasures are like the seed sown among thorns. [5] Those who hear, understand and patiently bear fruit are like

1. The Parable of the Soils

2. The Meaning of the Parable of
the Soils
Jesus use illustrations for much
the same purpose:
to clarify the point they are
trying to make.
Luke 8:11 “This is the meaning of
the parable: The seed is God’s
word.

3. Luke 8:5-8
5 “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he
scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a
footpath, where it was stepped on, and the
birds ate it. 6 Other seed fell among rocks. It
began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and
died for lack of moisture. 7 Other seed fell
among thorns that grew up with it and choked
out the tender plants. 8 Still other seed fell on
fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop
that was a hundred times as much as had been
planted!” When he had said this, he called out,
“Anyone with ears to hear should listen and
understand.”

4. Luke 8:12
The seeds that fell on the
footpath represent those who
hear the message, only to have
the devil come and take it away
from their hearts and prevent
them from believing and being
saved. (NLT)

5. Luke 8:13
The seeds on the rocky soil
represent those who hear the
message and receive it with joy.
But since they don’t have deep
roots, they believe for a while,
then they fall away when they
face temptation. (NLT)

6. Luke 8:14
The seeds that fell among the
thorns represent those who
hear the message, but all too
quickly the message is crowded
out by the cares and riches and
pleasures of this life. And so
they never grow into maturity.
(NLT)

7. Luke 8:15
And the seeds that fell on
the good soil represent
honest, good-hearted people
who hear God’s word, cling
to it, and patiently produce a
huge harvest. (NLT)

8. Key Verse
8 The Lord says, “I will guide you
along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over
you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse
or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to
keep it under control.”
(Psalm 32:8-9 NLT)

9. Luke 8:18
“So pay attention to how you hear.
To those who listen to my teaching,
more understanding will be given.
But for those who are not listening,
even what they think they
understand will be taken away
from them.”

10. The Greek word MYSTERION which
translates refers to "the secret plan of
God" which can only be known through
revelation by God.
Not discovered by careful detective
work. While parables illustrate truths,
some require knowledge of the meaning
to understand the parable. Those who
are hungry for this knowledge will, as
the disciples did, seek it out.
Matthew 7:7 A.S.K.

11. Questions
Why do you think Jesus called out,
"He who has ears to hear, let him
hear?" What was he getting at?
1.How could people listen to Jesus,
but not really understand what he
was saying?
2.In what way does Jesus' teaching
harden people's hearts?
3.Is there any way that we can
assist those with hardened hearts?
If so, what can we do?

12. Prayer
Dear Father, how blessed we are
to have been given ears that have
been willing and eager to hear
and apply your words. It was not
always so. We do not take your
mercy for granted. Help us to
always seek you in our hearts,
and never become HARD of heart.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.