The Parable of the Sower - Why are Some People More Grateful than Others (Luke 7: 36-50)

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Introduction:

Greetings, and welcome back to our journey together through the Gospel of Luke]. I'm Jeremy McCandless, your host, and today's episode is set to explore a profound question that many of us may have pondered: "Why are Some People More Grateful than Others?" Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 7, verses 36-50, we aim to unravel the intricacies of gratitude and its roots in our spiritual lives.

Episode Notes:

Title: Why are Some People More Grateful than Others? (Luke 7:36-50)

In this episode, we delve into the dynamics of gratitude and explore a story from the Gospel of Luke that sheds light on the varying degrees of gratitude among individuals.

Opening Reflection:
Have you ever wondered why some believers seem to overflow with gratitude while others struggle to acknowledge the grace bestowed upon them? We begin by meeting the characters in this story: Jesus, a Pharisee named Simon, and a woman from the city known as a sinner. The setting is crucial in understanding the unfolding events.

The Woman's Act of Love (Luke 7:36-38):
The narrative unfolds as the woman, with an alabaster jar of perfume, expresses her deep love and gratitude for Jesus in a way that challenges societal norms. Her actions set the stage for a powerful lesson on forgiveness and love.

Simon's Critical Perspective (Luke 7:39):
Simon, the Pharisee, silently critiques Jesus for allowing a sinful woman to touch Him. This judgment sparks a series of profound insights into the nature of forgiveness and its impact on gratitude.

The Amount of Forgiveness and Love (Luke 7:40-47):
Jesus poses a thought-provoking question about two debtors, emphasizing that the one forgiven more will love more. This principle extends beyond financial debt, resonating with the spiritual reality of forgiveness and gratitude. Jesus declares the woman's sins forgiven, highlighting the connection between faith, forgiveness, and salvation. The story concludes with the assurance of peace, inviting reflection on the profound impact of faith on our lives.

Key Observations:

I. Natural Consequence of Faith:

II. Comparing with God's Standard:

Closing Thoughts:
As we draw this episode to a close, may you reflect on the message embedded in this story. Gratitude, love, and awareness of our spiritual condition are interconnected elements that shape our faith journey. Let us strive to live in peace, knowing that faith, forgiveness, and love intertwine to create a tapestry of spiritual richness.

Thank you for joining us today.

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• 18:26 (Cont.) The Parable of the Sower - Why are Some People More Grateful than Others (Luke 7: 36-50)

Transcript

The Parable of the Sower - Why Some People Grow in their faith and Others Wither.

 (Luke 8: 1-21)

Today we explore the profound insights of the Parable of the Sower, uncovering why people respond differently to the Word of God. Join us as we delve into Luke 8:1-21, discovering theological and practical lessons for both ourselves but also even for pastors and those engaged in evangelism.

 You've extended invitations to church with varying responses: one person showed no interest, the second had an exciting conversion but disappeared, the third trusted Jesus and stayed, and the fourth not only got saved but became a faithful follower. 

Many of us have witnessed these diverse reactions to preaching. The question arises: How do we explain these differing responses to the Word of God? Pastors and those sharing the Gospel often grapple with this.

The parable of the sower provides valuable insights into this phenomenon. It stands out as one of the most crucial passages in the Bible, emphasized by its mention in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. 

According to Jesus, understanding this parable is key to comprehending all others. Theologically, it addresses the challenge of people hearing the Word and falling away, offering critical insights into the dynamics of faith, and the abandonment of it. This parable holds not only theological significance but also practical lessons for those engaging in evangelism.

With that in mind, would you turn with me to Luke chapter 8? I hope today we will gain an insight together in to why many say this is in some respects, the greatest of the parables." So, I'm going to begin with verse 1.

8 After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

(Luke 8: 1-8)

In the following verses, Jesus answers their questions. We'll look at those verses as we come to them. But let me pause here and make a couple of observations.

Before delving into the interpretation of the parable, let's set the stage. Luke introduces the context: Jesus, accompanied by the twelve apostles, embarks on a preaching tour. Notably, there are women traveling with him, having been healed of evil spirits and infirmities. These women, along with others, provide financial support for Jesus. This is a unique insight into how Jesus financed his ministry, relying on the generosity of affluent women.

As Jesus gathers a diverse multitude from cities where he had preached, it's evident that his audience spans a wide spectrum. Among them is a woman married to Herod's steward, signifying a royal connection, juxtaposed with individuals who had experienced demon possession. This diversity is emblematic of Christianity's unique ability to unite people of varied backgrounds without diluting their distinct identities. G.K. Chesterton's analogy emphasizes the challenge and miracle of combining diverse personalities within the Church, likening it to the lion laying down with the lamb while retaining its royal ferocity.

Now, Jesus, in this diverse setting, proceeds to teach them a parable, setting the stage for a profound lesson.

Now we come to the parable itself. There are four kinds of soil. You know the parable; you've heard it preached many times. Let's just review it quickly. 

The parable unfolds as the sower goes forth scattering seeds, a common practice before ploughing in ancient times. The seed encounters different types of soil, representing varied responses to the message of the Word.

Wayside Soil (Path/Sidewalk): The seed falls on hardened ground, akin to a sidewalk, where it cannot germinate. Trampled and exposed, birds devour it, and it fails to spring to life (verse 5).

Rocky Soil: The seed falls on soil with rocks underneath. While it springs up, indicating germination, it lacks depth. The shallow soil causes it to wither when the sun beats down (verse 6).

Thorny Soil: Some seed falls among thorns. It germinates but is eventually choked by the growing thorns, demonstrating that life initially appeared but was later extinguished (verse 7).

Good Soil: The seed falls on fertile ground, germinates, and not only springs to life but yields an abundant crop, showcasing a fruitful response to the Word (verse 8).

So that's the parable: four kinds of soil; one did not germinate, three did. Now, verse 9 says the disciples asked him, saying, "What does that mean?" Matthew indicates that they came to him privately.

So, he started out speaking this parable to the crowd, a large crowd. But when he got alone, the disciples said, "What in the world were you talking about?" And he says to them.

9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,

“‘though seeing, they may not see;

though hearing, they may not understand.’."

(Luke 8: 9-10)

That is a quotation from Isaiah chapter 6. Jesus taught in parables not only to reveal but to conceal truth; that is a really startling. He taught in parables so that some wouldn't get it, and he taught in parables so some would scratch and dig and  try to figure it out.

It's a very interesting concept. But I want you to notice this quote; it says, "Seeing, they didn't see; hearing, look at what it says—it doesn't say, 'hearing, they did not hear,' it says, 'hearing, they did not understand.' They didn't understand. 

Now he explains it personally in a parable form and the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear, but what didn't they do? They heard but they didn't understand. 

Now, it's been a very important concept to me. In order to be converted, you've got to understand some things. And when I ask people about their salvation, I'm looking for the understanding that they've trusted Jesus Christ for the gift of eternal life. 

The most diagnostic question, the best question, is one I was told by a friend and mentor of mine many years ago called Dick Coates, which was. If you were standing before God and God said to you, 'Why should I let you into my heaven?' What would you say? And I start listening to see if they understand. 

If they say to me, 'I'm trusting Jesus,' because if they say something else, then they didn't get it. They may say other things to me words at me, but they don't understand yet. So, this message is really moulded by thinking in terms of evangelism. This crowd heard, but Jesus just said they did not understand. 

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

(Luke 8: 11-14)

In the first scenario, the devil comes and snatches away the seed from those who didn't understand the message. The emphasis is on the importance of understanding and belief leading to salvation. Once someone believes, they are saved, using the analogy of the seed germinating.

Moving to the next group, those on the rocky ground receive the word with joy and believe for a while. The potential issue here is that they lack roots, and when faced with trials or persecution, they fall away. This raises the question of whether these individuals were truly saved. There's a discussion about the common interpretation in evangelical circles, suggesting that those who only believe for a while and don't produce lasting fruit were never saved. However, I personally challenge this interpretation, because the passage clearly states that they believed, and according to Jesus, belief leads to salvation.

The overall message seems to be a call for careful interpretation of the parable, challenging the idea that temporary belief necessarily implies non-salvation. The focus is on the explicit statement in the passage that they believed, aligning with the idea that belief results in salvation according to the teachings of Jesus.

My viewpoint is not the majority perspective and that many disagree with the idea that those who fall away after initially believing are still saved. However, there is a reference Hebrews 3:12, where individuals are called brethren and are exhorted not to fall away, suggesting that these individuals are indeed saved.

I think this is a critical issue because it addresses the common experience I hear form many people who testify of people coming to the Lord, experiencing spiritual life, and then falling away, only to return to faith again..

The passage transitions to discuss the third soil in the parable, referring to those who fell among thorns. These individuals hear the word but are choked by the cares, riches, and pleasures of life, ultimately producing no fruit to maturity.

The overall discussion seems to center on the tension between the belief in salvation through faith and the challenge of individuals falling away after an initial profession of faith. I still lean towards the possibility that some who fall away can still be saved, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and nuances of the biblical teachings on salvation. So, the challenge is why didn't grow and mature spiritually.

The analogy of a fruit tree is useful to illustrate this point that even though a tree may not produce fruit for a while or at certain times, it remains a fruit tree. I personally believe that it is possible for a Christian, a born-again child of God, to be fruitless for a time. In fact, that was my own testimony for the age of about 15 until my early 20’s. 

The reason for spiritual stagnation is revealed here as more to do with being choked out by the cares, riches, and pleasures of life. Perhaps getting caught up in various aspects of life, such as jobs, family, hobbies, materialism, or a pursuit of pleasure, all can potentially hinder spiritual growth. Even people sitting in church every Sunday may not necessarily be growing spiritually because they are allowing other priorities to take precedence.

Jesus emphasizes the importance of producing fruit with endurance and warns against allowing the cares of life to crowd out the Word of God. 

A Lamp on a Stand.

16 “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. 18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

(Luke 8: 16-18)

In verses 16-18, he encourages believers to let their light shine, as nothing hidden will remain undisclosed. He urges careful consideration of how one hears the Word, as continued learning leads to growth, while neglect results in loss.

19 Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. 20 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” 21 He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

(Luke 8: 19-21)

The narrative concludes with Jesus using the visit of his mother and brothers to highlight the significance of doing the will of God. He declares that those who hear and do the Word of God are his true family, emphasizing the spiritual bond that surpasses mere blood relations.

Alright, let me sum it up. The various results of the preached word are produced by the response to that word. There are three groups of people I'd like to speak to before I close. 

I'd like to speak to those ones who preach the word of God. That's me; and that's some of you. So, we preach the word, and some just don't grow. There were people in my church that never showed any grown towards spiritual maturity. Why not? Because they didn't hear the word of God and do it. 

The last phrase in verse 21 says it all: They were not obedient to the word of God. Preachers of the word are constantly being criticized by those who listen. But here Jesis says it is in fact the hearers of the word who are closely scrutinized. Their hearts are to be prepared for the word. So, I would say to those called to preach or teach that it's not the word that's the problem; it's not necessarily your sermons. 

Don’t get me wrong our sermon or teaching can always be improved. Our sermons could have to be improved. But it the hearer and how they respond that is weighed and tested by God.

The different soils in this passage represents thse who hear the word preached. They are called t, "Take heed how you hear." Just hearing the word is not the issue; everything depends on how you hear and receive it.

There are four options are to how you receive the word.

There's the hard soil, that's the sidewalk, the shallow soil, that thin layer of soil on the top of the rock so that there's softness on the outside but hardness on the inside. Then there's the crowded soil, the weeds crowded out the seed and finally there's the good soil. 

So, I put it like this: some hear the word and do not understand; some hear the word and forget what is said, and some hear the word and it's crowded out of their live by other interests and activities. 

And some hear the word, understand it, respond to it.

They do what it says and because of that they bear fruit in their lives as well as experiencing increasing spiritual maturity.

Notice, all hear the word. That's very important. Every type of soil in this passage received the seed (Heard the word). The first group didn't understand it; the other three groups did, at least enough to believe. But they didn't endure; they didn't produce fruit; because they didn't do what it says. 

Now, I don't want to push this too far, but if you could use math to analyze this, what percentage made through? Maybe 25%. 

So, if you go to a church that has, I don't know, 100 maybe only 25% are probably really spiritually growing. 

So, the issue is not how much you hear; it's how you hear. Some hear a lot, but it didn't do any good because they don't do what the word says. Consequently they can be faithful; they can serve. But they still don't grow; they don't really become Christ-like because they didn't produce fruit to maturity.

Now, I started out by saying, suppose you brought more people to church. So how does this work out in the real world, what happens 

That first person you brought in—they didn't get saved. What was the problem? They didn't understand the gospel; consequently, they didn't believe, and they didn't get saved.

How about that second person that understood it for a while? But because of external pressures, they fall away. 

How about that third person, that came, but they weren't really consistent. They weren't real faithful. What got hold of the them instead, was the cares of this world, money, riches, external pleasures or maybe even external pressures, persecution, stress. That’s just as common as the pleasures of this world.

Only a relative few understand, believe, obey, consequently, produce mature fruit with endurance. We just nave to be faithful and sow the seed.

Now, I have one more final thing to say. Let me ask you a question, and the question is: 

Which kind of soil are you?