Luke 8:4-15 And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spoke by a parable:… This parable displays profound knowledge of human nature, of human character, and of human history. I. THOSE REPRESENTED BY THE SEED THAT FELL BY THE WAYSIDE ARE INFIDELS. Having the means and opportunities of knowing and practising Christianity, yet rejecting it wilfully and obstinately. II. THOSE REPRESENTED BY SEED SCATTERED ON ROCKY SOIL ARE THE INDOLENT AND TIMID. III. THOSE REPRESENTED BY SEED SPILLED AMONG THORNS ARE THOSE WHO ARE INFLUENCED BY THE STRONG AND ACTIVE PASSIONS. IV. THOSE REPRESENTED BY SEED SOWN ON GOOD SOIL ARE GOOD CHRISTIANS WHOSE IMPRESSIONS OF RELIGION BECOME DEEPER AND BRIGHTER IN DIFFERENT DEGREES. This class includes all sincere persevering Christians. 1. There must be a good and honest heart. 2. A disposition to hear the Word, to receive it without prejudice, and with a sincere resolution to profit by it. 3. Constancy. Retaining the knowledge acquired, and constantly making additions to it. 4. Bringing forth fruit with patience. Our motives may be good, so also may be our intentions and aims; but to give these their full value they must be carried into action. Actions, followed by habits, complete the character. 5. Fruit in different proportions. Yet the lowest degree — thirtyfold — is not small. (J. Thomson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: |
    |