The Parable of the 4 Soils (Good Soil)

As I’ve stated in each of the other posts, the 4 soils represent 4 conditions of the human heart and how each one responds to the Gospel message.  So far, we’ve talked about the hard soil (those who do not understand the Gospel), and the rocky soil (those who do not understand the costs of following Christ), and the thorny soil (those who do not understand the exclusivity of the Gospel). Let’s finish the parable.

Soil Four: Some people are receptive to the Gospel:

Soil Four (Verse 8):  “But others fell on good soil and produced a crop.  They grew up, increased in size, and produced thirty, sixty, or one hundred times what was sown.”

The Explanation of Soil Four (Verse 20):  “Others are like the seeds sown on good soil.  They hear the word, accept it, and produce crops—thirty, sixty, or one hundred times what was sown.”

The fourth soil is away from the path, cultivated to sufficient depth, and has the ability to sustain good plants (free of weeds).  Due to the conditions, it was able to “produce crops.” 

The amount of production from this soil is what is truly amazing.  Jesus was not just making a simple comment about a bountiful crop.  Historical evidence indicates that in the region of Palestine during New Testament times, the average ratio of harvested grain would have been less that eight to one.  Therefore, the ratio that Jesus refers to can only be described as supernatural.  He speaks of a 30 to 1, a 60 to 1, and a 100 to 1 return.  That description parallels His teachings in John 15 when He spoke of fruit, more fruit, and much fruit.

Key Thought for Soil Four:  This person understands, repents, and places faith in the Gospel.

The person represented by the fourth soil is just as sinful as those represented in the other three soils, but they were willing to repent of their sin by placing faith in Jesus Christ.  We know that this person had a true conversion in Christ because the fruit of their life gives testimony. 

While others go to church out of habit and obligation, this person goes to church out of excitement and love.  Their love for God will come out in their speech. You talk about the things close to your heart.  If you are passionate about your job, you talk about your job.  If you are passionate about family, it seems like a lot of conversations lean towards family.  If you are passionate about a sport, you talk about the sport.  When we are passionate about God, we have to talk about God. 

This person will share what they are learning, thoughts they’ve had, ways God has blessed, and questions that are still on their mind.  They will have an unquenchable thirst for the things of God, and they will utilize every available avenue to indulge this thirst (1 Peter 2:2-3).  This person will be burdened with the spiritual state of those around them, and feels compelled to share Christ with others (Colossians 1:28-29).  They find joy even when things are bad, they extend grace quickly, and give freely.  And while all of these areas will grow over time—the characteristics of Christ are found to some degree at all times.

The reason is because the fruit of God is the natural outflow of the life of God.  As God is living in you—His character is being displayed through you.

When we take all of the information together—we see that some people are turned off by the Gospel, some people don’t understand the Gospel, some people are captivated by another gospel, and some people are receptive to the Gospel. 

The one who sows the seeds will sow on every type of soil.  However, the one who reaps the harvest must understand the various conditions of the human heart. 

Specializing in the good soil does not suggest neglecting the others.  It is simply a reminder for believers not to force, coerce, manipulate, or drag a prayer of repentance out of anyone.  By understanding the conditions of the soil, we can effectively witness to each state of the human heart.