The Parable of the Sower
One of the parables that Jesus taught the people was a parable about a sower who went out to sow. This parable is recorded in the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. When Jesus was finished teaching this lesson to the people, his disciples came unto him and they asked him what the parable should mean, and why he spoke to the people in parables. Jesus said: “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables (Luke 8:10).” In other words, not only do parables conceal the prophetic message, but they are also serve as a way to divide the righteous, from the rebellious. Through parables God speaks answers to the righteous, and he increases their understanding. “He opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures (Luke 24:45).” At the same time, parables confuse and confound the rebellious. “That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them (Mark 4:12).” “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished (2Peter 2:9).”
“What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction (Roman 9:22)?” Parables hide scripture's truths from the imposters that pose as believers among God's people. These imposters refuse to believe God. Therefore God will fulfill his word, and on Judgment Day he will pour chastening affliction upon them. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before ordained to this condemnation (Jude 4).” “The Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints… to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed (Jude 14-15).” Only a remnant of God's people will believe and follow the guidance of Jesus' parables, and they are the very ones that will be saved and delivered from the afflictions of end times. “Esaias cried concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved (Romans 9:27)." “He himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (1Corinthians 3:15).”
"Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:18).” As with all the other parables of scripture, Jesus’ parables also have one perfect solution, and one provable meaning. The perfect solution for Jesus’ parables is not only determined by examining each written account of the parable, but also by finding the perfect meaning behind each parable word within the parable. God placed parable words in prophecy, and every scripture reference to that word, can, and should be used to help believer's determine the perfect meaning of the parable word. Ultimately, discerning the meaning of the parable words gives proper interpretation to the parable. To better understand these things, consider two examples: the true and perfect meaning of the word “sower,” is someone who shares the kingdom message and testifies unto others, telling them how they can receive the Holy Spirit; and the true and perfect meaning of the word “seed,” is putting the message of salvation into the hearts and minds of willing listeners.
Believers can prove the true and perfect meaning of each and every parable word. Consider how the perfect meaning of the word "sower" was revealed: within the parable of the sower is evidence, that, in scripture, the word "sower"pertains exclusively to persons who are sharing one particular message. According to the interpretation given, Jesus specified that those who are hearing the sower's message, are hearing the kingdom message: “When one heareth the word of the kingdom (Matthew 13:19).” Above everything else, the kingdom message is one of telling others how they can receive the Holy Spirit. “For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21).” So the parable word "sower," applies exclusively to believers that are sharing the kingdom message, and telling others how they can receive the Holy Spirit; but don’t be deceived, for even the devil sows his own version of a kingdom message. “The tares are the children of the wicked one; and the enemy that sowed them is the devil (Matthew 13:38-39).”
The perfect meaning of the parable word “seed,” is discrete, for it is hidden. The verse which is most responsible for hiding the true meaning of the word, reads: “The parable is this, the seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11).” This verse is responsible for hiding the perfect meaning of the parable word "seed" because there is, and can only be, one true and perfect meaning for each and every parable word. In prophecy, the word “seed” pertains to the kingdom message being put into the hearts and minds of believers, which is something that God alone does, and that only God can do. “The children of promise are counted for the seed (Romans 9:8).” So why are there two seemingly different meanings for the same parable word, or do they agree together in one? God covenanted with his people, which means that he lifted up his hand and he swore to the people, testifying he would make them have seed, and that he would multiply their seed. So the verse that is concealing the true meaning of the parable word "seed," is actually testifying that every new convert is a fulfillment of God’s promise to give us seed. “The seed is the word of God (Luke 8:11).” If believers will faithfully tell others the kingdom message, then God is faithful to give them seed. In other words, God will cause those who hear their message to recognize the truth of his word, for he will confirm the matter to their hearts and minds. “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts (Hebrew 8:10).”
When believers find the true and perfect meanings behind the parable words of Jesus' parables, they find answers to the prophetic sealed up mysteries of end times. The parable of the sower answers the question: How will God keep his people from the hour of temptation? For God made promise to his people in the book of Revelation, saying: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth (Revelation 3:10).” The answer is: by increasing their knowledge and understanding. The parable of the sower examines the four places wherein those that receive the revealed truths of prophecy, will fall, and it provides counsel which will help guide and keep them from temptation. Now for the interpretation of the parable:
1. “When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side (Matthew 13:19).” First, notice how in this verse involves two parties: there are the hearers, but there are also the wicked ones. Luke’s account refers to the wicked ones as the devil, and Mark calls them Satan; but all three gospel accounts agree together that fowls will come and devour up the believers which are by the way side. The covenant message has previously reported, and verified with evidence, that in prophecy, the parable word “fowl” pertains to a priest, or a religious leader who has heard the kingdom message, but who continues to tell lies and preach inaccuracies against it. Further proof concerning the identity of the devourers can be discerned from Jesus’ rebukes of the priests and elders of his day, for he accused them of being of their father the devil (John 8:44); and he reprimanded Peter, calling him Satan. “Get behind me, Satan… for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men (Matthew 16:23).” In essence, every leader who hears the kingdom message and continues to work against it, is behaving himself as Satan and the devil, and as the wicked one, and as fowls that swallow up good seed. “You have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered (Luke 11:52).”
Next, consider those people which heard the kingdom message, yet still fell by the way side. Keep in mind that everyone who has received the message is called, seed. This group of seed heard the kingdom message, and they probably even witnessed evidence of the Holy Spirit, but they didn’t understand it. “When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not…this is he which received seed by the way side (Matthew 13:19).” Jesus revealed the secret of this seed's mistake, in the words, “Then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved (Luke 8:12).” Their mistake is one of neglecting God's word, and of relying upon false teachers for additional understanding. Believers should not rely upon a teacher for end time understanding: they must consult the scriptures for themselves, and study the covenant message. Our new covenant is a requirement to learn of Jesus, and to continue to learn of him until you walk together in agreement with the Holy Spirit. The number one lesson which is learned from the seeds by the way side, is that believers must reject the counsel of any teacher who tries to convince them that what they have heard, or witnessed, or experienced, wasn't the truth. Rely upon God, and upon his word for guidance, and in love correct the deceived. “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience (Ephesians 5:6).”
Walk in the Spirt, and speak of those things that you have witnessed, and experienced, as well as what you have learned, especially with your priest, but also with people that have authority over the congregation. If they won't hear you or receive your testimony, then you are instructed to leave that place. “Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet (Matthew 10:14).” “There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you… and many shall follow their pernicious ways (2Peter 2:1-2).” “Take heed what ye hear (Mark 4:24).” “Take heed… how ye hear (Luke 8:18).” “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath (Matthew 13:12).” “Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown (Revelation 3:11).”
2. “Some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture (Luke 8:6).” Additional truths which are written against the seeds that fell upon the rock, include: they are in stony places which have no depth of earth, they have no roots, and they will wither away and be offended when the sun comes up, and it scorches them. Before believers can perceive the true meaning of the second lesson, interpretations for the parable words, rock, sun, stone, and stony places, must be discerned.
The perfect meaning of the parable word “rock” is the Lord, and his teachings. “That rock was Christ (1Corinthians 10:4).” “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24).” The perfect meaning for the words "stony places", or "stony ground," is that these parable words represent places of worship wherein believers are in Christ, howsoever the newly revealed truths of prophecy are not being taught. The parable word "stone" pertains to believers, who, through the Holy Spirit confess that Jesus is Lord. Evidence concerning the meaning of this word is found in a response which Jesus gave unto Simon Peter, when Peter stood and confessed before his fellow disciples, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jo-na: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:16-18).” The word "stone" is only implied in the verse, however if believer's investigate Jesus' response they will perceive that God's people are blessed, if, and when the Holy Spirit confirms the matter of Jesus' identity unto them: then afterwards, if they confess before others who Jesus is, and what he did for them, then they become the stones of his building. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house (1Peter 2:5).” “The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones (Revelation 21:19).”
The perfect meaning of the word “sun” is best revealed by considering a few subtle clues which are written about the sun. “The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into the furnace of fire… Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:41-43).” Well said, albeit cleverly worded, because the scriptures reveal that the sun is residing in controversy. “The sun knoweth his going down (Psalm 104:19).” In prophecy, the word, sun, is the parable name given to religious leaders that are ignorant of the covenant message. These leaders have been preoccupied with their own thoughts and beliefs, wherefore they have continued to say and teach things that disagree with God’s end time message. For the sun’s grievous mistake, it will be punished, and it will be ashamed. “The moon shall be confounded and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously (Isaiah 24:23).” “The sun shall be turned into darkness… before the great and terrible day of the Lord come (Joel 2:31).” The truths about the sun's destiny are non-negotiable, for there is no place for the sun in new Jerusalem. “The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof (Revelation 21:23).” "There shall in no wise enter into it anything that... maketh a lie (Revelation 21:27)."
As for the seeds which fell into stony places, these believers are worshipping in places wherein their teachers have not yet heard the covenant message. This is not only confirmed by their withered condition, but also by Jesus' confession that the sun will scorch them. Jesus testified that those who fall into stony places will receive the Holy Spirit with joy. This insinuates that they will believe the covenant message for awhile, but Jesus also reported that in the time of temptation they will fall away (Luke 8:13). The mistake of these believers is one of turning from the Lord, for they get anxious, and offended, and impatient. “You have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise (Hebrews 10:36).” “In your patience possess ye your souls (Luke 21:19).” These seeds are said to have no root, so let these words be a reminder that all believers are to be “rooted" in the word of God, and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17),” “built up in Christ, and established in the faith (Colossians 2:7).” Believers that are in stony places are to speak to their leaders, and if their leaders receive them, and hear their testimonies, then they are instructed to remain there and be patient. Spend time on your knees and read God's word, as well as the covenant message, so that you can be living water, and so that you will not be scorched, or withered, or tempted. It will be tempting to get angry when your informed leaders aren't expedient to change their messages, but don't get discouraged and leave, for God can use you there where you are, so remain there, and be patient. “If they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth (Matthew 24:26).” “In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1Timothy 4:1).” “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up (Matthew 15:13).”
Jesus prophesied that in the last days “many shall be offended (Matthew 24:10),” and Paul testified that “that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first (2Thessalonians 2:3).” Both of these prophecies seemingly indicate that many believers will be in “stony places” in the last days. Hang in there, and keep praying, for God's word insinuates, as well as testifies, that God will correct every insensitive leader that refuses to receive the truth of his message from his messengers. “Woe unto the world because of offences! For it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh (Matthew 18:7)!” “Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were downed in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:6).”
3. “Some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit (Mark 4:7).” Thorns are evil and wicked congregations, which are being led by teachers that reject certain truths in God’s word. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing… You shall know them by their fruits… for every corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit (Matthew 7:15-18).” The seeds which fell among thorns, have fallen into places of worship wherein God will destroy the ways of everyone around them. “That which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned (Hebrews 6:8).” Their leaders are false teachers which do not have the Holy Spirit. “Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will reject thee, that thou shalt be no priests to me (Hosea 4:6).” And furthermore, these leaders are covetous, ungodly, and unjust. “Them that walk after the flesh in the lusts of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities (2Peter 2:10).”
The seeds which fall into these conditions are prone to coming up with excuses of why they cannot serve the Lord, or help him promote the kingdom message. Their mistake is revealed in the words: “And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful (Mark 4:19).” If those who fall among thorns would share what they learned and experienced with a fellow believer, then God would cause them to be fruitful; but Jesus confided that these seeds are unfruitful, which insinuates that they will elect to keep silent, for they lack confidence in the Lord. Believers who fall among thorns must die to their own selfish worries and concerns, in order to experience eternal life in Christ. “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit (John 12:24).” “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).” “Ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that you should be married to another, even to him that is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God (Romans 7:4).”
The next few verses are testimonies of encouragement for believers that have fallen among the thorns, and this encouragement begins with an explanation of why it is imperative to speak up and confess the truth.“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou not know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead (James 2:19-20)?” “Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples (John 15:8).” Before contemplating the next words of encouragement, keep in mind that, in prophecy, the parable word "angel" applies to flesh and blood people: they are believers that have the Holy Spirit. “I say unto you… Be not afraid of them that kill the body… fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him… Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: but he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God (Luke 12:4-9).” To paraphrase the conclusion of the testimony concerning angels, Jesus verified that he will cause some of his followers to rise up before the authorities and defend those persons who have confessed him before the unbelieving; but the opposite applies to those believers that deny Jesus, and that keep silent before men. Therefore, stand boldly and with confidence confess the Lord Jesus, and his word. “I give unto thee power... over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19).”
4. “Other seed fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold (Luke 8:8).” “Those which fell on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience (Luke 8:15).” The seeds which fell on good ground are the believers whose leaders paid attention to God’s word, and so they are promoting the covenant message. These seeds have work to do for the Lord. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).” “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things (Romans 10:13-15).” “The earth bringeth forth fruit of herself (Mark 4:28).” God's people are being commissioned to go out and spread the truth of his end time message. This will swiftly bring additional seed into God's house, and God will multiply their seed. “Immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region (Mark 1:28).” The seeds on good ground, will, “hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred (Mark 4:20).”
A concluding message: Since Jesus’ doctrine and his messages were meant for everyone in the world, did you ever stop and wonder why Jesus commanded his disciples, “Go not into the way of the Gentiles… But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6)?” Or why the Apostle Paul found it necessary to rehearse the words, “To the Jew first, but also to the Gentile”? These things are written as pattern, for they verify the way that God works: God brings the understanding of what he is doing unto his people first, then his message will go out through his people unto those who have not known him. Consider once again how these things provide evidence that the covenant message is the truth, for its message is going out unto the leaders of God's people, first.
In one of Jesus’ other parables, a certain king prepared a wedding supper for his son. Then the king sent out his servants to call those that were bidden to the feast, but the invited guests made light of it, and gave out their excuses and would not come, even mistreating and killing some of his messengers. When the king heard these things, and he was wroth, “and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage (Matthew 22:7-9).” This evidence is suggesting that end times are going to be a time of great confusion, wherein God's people are going to be making mistakes. This is further proof of the truth of the covenant message, for believers will need for spend time studying God's message in order to avoid confusion. The covenant message has everything to the marriage supper, and its message was prepared expressly for the purpose of bringing end time understanding and truth unto every priest and prophet that is within God's priesthood. Priests are to come and receive knowledge, and they are to stop telling lies, and remaining silent. "I tell you that, if these should hold their piece, the stones would immediately cry out (Luke 19:40)." These messages are full of instruction and knowledge which is necessary for the deliverance of God's people during end times, therefore it is crucial to promote and advertise the existence of these messages.
Think about a message that Jesus spoke unto the religious authorities and rulers of his day, saying, “Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof (Matthew 21:42-43).” Since Jesus, and his teachings are referred to as the rock, who then is the stone that the builders rejected? Could the old testament's reference to a "stone" pertain to a prophet? (Psalm 118:22-23). If so, then aren't these verses implying that the priesthood will reject God's prophet? And shouldn't the implication of these warnings make the priesthood horribly afraid (Jeremiah 51:26)? “Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you (Matthew 21:31).” "Many that are first shall be last; and the last first (Matthew 19:30)." “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God (John 1:11-12).”
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