Mark 4:1-9, 4:13-20
I. Introduction: Soul Soil
II. Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed (Mark 4:1-9 & 4:13-20)
A. Jesus teaches the parable by the lakeshore.
B. The parable describes a farmer scattering seeds.
C. Jesus explains the meaning of the parable to his disciples.
III. Different Soil Types and Their Meanings
A. The Path – Hardened Heart (Mark 4:4, 15)
1. Seed falls on the path, eaten by birds.
2. Represents those whose hearts are hardened and the word is snatched away.
B. Rocky Ground – Shallow Heart (Mark 4:5-6, 16-17)
1. Seed falls on shallow soil, sprouts quickly but withers.
2. Represents those who receive the word with joy but lack depth and fall away.
C. Thorny Ground – Choked Heart (Mark 4:7, 18-19)
1. Seed falls among thorns and is choked out.
2. Represents those who hear the word but are choked by worldly concerns.
D. Good Soil – Receptive Heart (Mark 4:8, 20)
1. Seed falls on good soil and produces a bountiful crop.
2. Represents those who hear, accept, and bear fruit from the word.
IV. Our Good Farmer/Father
A. The Farmer spreads the seed everywhere.
B. The Farmer does not consider any seed wasted.
C. The Farmer continues to spread the seed regardless of the outcome.
V. Good Soil and Good Souls Take Work
A. Soil must be soft, malleable, and accepting.
B. Soil must be free of thorns and weeds.
C. Soil must allow for deep roots.
D. Soil must be ready.