It is a known fact that every seasoned farmer knows he can’t control the weather or guarantee a harvest. He however knows that the end result of his labours will be determined by the type of soil. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes a farmer scattering seed across four types of soil. Though the seed—God’s Word—never changes, the results depend entirely on the soil it lands on. This vivid picture speaks not just to individuals, but to whole communities. In Matthew 13:1-9 AMP, the kind of fruit we bear—spiritually and socially—depends on the type of soil we are are.

Some of us are like the dry ground, as Matthew 13:4 AMP states. We hear God’s Word, but it doesn’t sink in. Pain, conflict, oppression, or indifference may have hardened our hearts. When that occurs, spiritual and developmental seeds cannot take root. Just as birds snatch away seed, the gospel gets lost before it can grow. As farmers must till the land before planting, we must soften hard hearts with prayer, presence, and patience. Spiritual renewal is the first step towards rural renewal.

Moreover, others are like rocky ground,  Matthew 13:5-6 AMP. We receive the Word with joy, but when trouble arises, our faith withers. In rural development, this manifests as quick starts—churches, programmes, or projects—followed by burnout or collapse. Why? There are no roots. Shallow soil cannot sustain long-term growth. Lasting change requires depth: discipleship, skill-building, and commitment over time.

“Though the seed—God’s Word—never changes, the results depend entirely on the soil it lands on.”

Then there are those whose hearts are likened to a thorny ground,  Matthew 13:7 AMP. The seed begins to grow but is choked by distractions—materialism, fear, corruption, or survival pressures. These thorns strangle spiritual life and hinder community progress; even with great potential, growth stalls. Just as farmers pull weeds, we must uproot spiritual and social thorns: addictions, harmful traditions, and unjust systems. It’s hard, but it’s vital for any fundamental transformation.

Then there is the good ground Matthew 13:8 AMP—hearts open to God’s Word, ready to learn and grow. In these lives and communities, the gospel takes root. People come to Christ, neighbours unite, and fruit multiplies—spiritually, relationally, and economically. However, good soil doesn’t occur by chance. It’s cultivated with time, prayer, and enduring love. Even the hardest ground can become fruitful when we commit to nurturing it.

The parable of the sower conceals and reveals truth. It remains hidden from the unprepared heart but is revealed to those who are ready. And because hearts can change, the same parable can one day open the eyes of someone it once left blind.

Prayer: 

Lord of the harvest, help us to see ourselves through your eyes. Where the soil is hard, break it up with your mercy. Where the soil is shallow, deepen our faith and roots. Where there are thorns, teach us to remove distractions. And where there is good soil, may fruit abound. Use us to sow Your Word and love faithfully in our communities, in Jesus’ name. 
Amen.

Cover Photo: © Ian Sane / Flickr

Last updated May 2025

(aSaC/ Olive Bexten)