A central part of Jesus’ teaching involved parables. Parables are indirect forms of communication designed to give us new insight and to help us see life from a different perspective. In so doing, they ultimately move us to action. The parable of the soils is a classic example of how these stories can challenge our perspective. This parable shows us different ways our hearts can be unreceptive to Jesus’ transforming work—we can be dismissive, distracted, or comfortable with discrepancies. However, when we have a receptive heart, our lives will bear fruit.