NOTES for Luk 8:4-15

This parable gives a remarkable account of the history of Christian preaching over the past twenty centuries. When Christians are reproached for unworthy conduct, many of the examples cited—not all of them, but that is not the subject now—can and even should be humbly accepted and acknowledged: yes, in some cases the seed fell on rock, and in others it was choked by weeds. That is why in many places no good harvest is visible, even though the seed was of the highest quality. Yet it is far more important to measure ourselves against this parable: what condition is my own soil in? Have I grown hard? Have I stopped pulling up my weeds?

If we answer these and similar questions honestly, we may encounter a trick of the evil one: “You are what you are and will not become better, so do not even try to receive the seed and bear fruit.” But this is not true, and we must not pronounce upon ourselves a final diagnosis dictated by the enemy, who is eager to snatch away the seed that has been sown. The soul of each one of us is capable of changing and at different times can be different kinds of soil. With God's help, stony ground can become fertile black earth.