Mark 4:14 – “The sower sows the word.”
This is the beginning of Jesus explaining a parable to His inner circle that they heard Him teach to a multitude of people earlier by the sea side. This explanation is so important that in verse 13 Jesus said understanding this parable (story) is the key to understanding all other parables that He taught. It has to do with people receiving the word of God and believing it. The effectiveness of God’s word is dependent on the “soil” of one’s heart. Four different conditions are presented:
Wayside
Stony Ground
Thorns
Good Ground
Obviously, there is only one condition (good ground) that is conducive to experiencing the increase from God’s word. There are three descriptions of the unproductive ground mentioned above that prevent God’s word from producing results in an individual’s life. 1) Wayside – Satan comes immediately; 2) Stony Ground – no root; doesn’t last; and 3) Thorns – cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things.
The one that bothers me most is Wayside. This is where Satan comes immediately to steal the word out of people’s hearts. Notice that there is no delay in Satan’s approach. You and I need to make sure there is immediate follow-up with those who receive the word. Immediate discipleship is key if someone is going to go the distance. If Satan comes immediately, you and I have to be quicker than that!