There is parable that Jesus says is the key to understanding all parables. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally helps us understand this important teaching of Jesus. 

Jesus didn't use parables to make everything clear, but to make everyone think.

Questions to ask when reading a parable:

1. Who does each character represent?

2. Where is the surprise twist in the story?

3. What are the kingdom lessons behind each parable?

Today's parable: The Parable of the Sower

Mark 4:3-9 NLT

A sower is someone who plants seed. 

Mark 4:14 - 20 

Questions to ask:

Who is being represented in this parable?

The farmer is anyone sharing the seed—the truth of God's word. 

The seed on the footpath represents people with hard hearts. Like rain on a water-proof jacket, it never soaks in. Why?

Offense – holding unforgiveness in your heart makes you suspicious of everyone.

Hurt – an unhealed heart will grow hard to protect itself from more hurt.

Pride – the prideful heart isn't open to correction because they already think they know everything. Rebellion – the more you choose intentional disobedience, the harder it becomes to obey.

Hebrews 3:7b-8a  

Satan wants to steal God's truth from you, just like birds want your food.

The seed on the rocky soil represents people with shallow hearts. Problems and persecution come and they wither rather quickly. 

John 16:33 MSG 

The seed among thorns represents those who let worry, wealth and wanting overtake the growing fruit. 

1 John 2:16-17 NIV 

The seed on good soil represents those who hear and accept—they repent, apply the word and live in the ways of the kingdom.

James 1:23-24 NLT 

What is the twist in the story?

The farmer threw seed everywhere. That was very inefficient farming, but it demonstrates the heart with which God shares Himself. 

What are the kingdom lessons in the story?

1. God's word is for everyone.

He sows seed everywhere.

Titus 2:11 

You've been given the antidote to this world's sickness—don't keep it to yourself.

Don't reject God on someone else's behalf. Don't decide for them—just sow seed.

2. It's the condition of our heart that determines if we receive from God.

2 Peter 1:3 

This is why Proverbs 4:23 says keep/guard your heart will all diligence and above all else. Safeguard your soil!

3. Our application of God's instruction determines the amount of fruit in our lives.

James 2:14 

Real faith is evidenced by action. What determines 30, 60, or 100 fold? The quality of the soil. Your production is based on your hearing and accepting—your obedience. The degree to which you obey is the degree to which you'll produce a harvest of spiritual fruit.   

James 1:21 NLT ...Humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.

What type of soil are you?