Read: Leviticus 7:28-9:6 & Mark 3:31-4:25 & Psalm 37:12-29 & Proverbs 10:5

In Mark 4, Jesus uses a parable to explain the responses to the Word of God. Seeds represent the Gospel shared through God’s Word and soil represents the person hearing the Word. Some people hear the Word but immediately allow Satan and sin to take away what they have heard. Others hear the Word and have joy because of it, but because they don’t have a rooted relationship with God the joy is short lived. A third group hears the Word, but allows culture to overcome the truth that is offered. Finally, there are those who hear the Word, accept it, and believe its truth, developing a strong relationship with Christ and going out to make disciples.

As Christians, we can learn from each kind of person represented in this parable. The first example teaches us to guard ourselves from temptation and sin. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” We have to make sure our heart is soft and poised for a fruitful relationship with Christ rather than hardened by sin’s deceit.

Second, our lives must be centered on our relationship with Christ. Consistent time in God’s Word, continual prayer and strong community help believers stay rooted in the joy that accompanies faith in God.

In the third example, we learn the importance of guarding our hearts from the worries of the world. Like weeds that grow slowly and choke the fruit of the earth, material desires, anxiety and deceitfulness can grow slowly and choke our spiritual lives.

Finally, the fourth individual represented in the parable depicts a person who hears the Word, believes the Word, and does what it says. As Christians, we are called to live in a way that produces a harvest. The ultimate goal is to glorify God and make disciples who make disciples.