Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23

In this parable Jesus talks about the different types of personalities that learn about the Kingdom of God. He puts them into four different categories.

A Sower went out to sow (scatter seed for the crops to take hold and grow). As he walked toward his field 4 things happened.

1. Some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
2. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
3. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
4. Others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

The parable details for us the different types of people who learn about God's gift of salvation through grace, and what they ultimately decide to do with that gift. Jesus reveals the meaning of the parable to His disciples in verses 18-23.

1. The seed that fell by the wayside - When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one (Satan) comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.

Example: Someone hears the gospel through church, a friend/relative, radio show, etc... and the seed for growth is planted, but before they can absorb more information, the evil one creates circumstances to thwart that growth. Generally, in the form of a tragedy or a worldly pleasure that takes attention away from God's word, and the person doesn't revisit the cause of their excitement and it fades away.

2. The seed that fell on stony places - This is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

Example: There is excitement in hearing God's promise of salvation and eternity with Him, but before it can fully take root, it is stamped out by worldly persecution. Mainly in the form of others criticizing your newfound belief in God and expelling you from the inner circle, by treating you differently for your beliefs. You choose the world over God.

3. The seed that fell among the thorns - He who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Example: You cast aside God for what the world has to offer. It's more important for you to fit in and be praised by the world then to conform to the life that God offers you. Money and fame trump grace and salvation. The world is your god.

4. But he who received seed on the good ground - Is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Example: The believer who holds true the love and mercy of the Almighty God and His selfless act of giving His only begotten Son, Jesus, as an offering for our sins. He/she puts their trust and faith in God's path for their life and honors Him through faithful service.
The believer is not a perfect human being. They will continue to fall, and God will continue to pick them up. Sin is forever present in our lives until we pass from this world into the next, but we come to Him with a repentant heart, and He forgives us because of Jesus' sacrifice.

He did not promise an easy life for His followers: John 15:18-25 outlines this principle. In verse 18 & 19 He reminds His disciples, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
He leaves the choice to us. A few decades of world praise, or an eternity of happiness and love with Him in his kingdom.

The amazing grace of God allows the seed that feel by the wayside, stony places, and the thorns to repent and receive salvation at any point in their life. He loves all of us greatly and cares for us deeply. His love knows no end.