The Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-9)

The Parable of the Sower is retold in three of the gospels, including an explanation of its meaning in two of them (Matthew 13:3-9; 18-23; Mark 4:1-9; Luke 8:4-8; 11-15). The idea of the gospel being spread, like seed from a sower, is where we get the idea of a message being ‘disseminated’ or ‘broadcast’.

The parable goes like this: “A sower went out to sow. As he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil. It sprouted quickly, since the soil had no depth, but when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it lacked roots, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it produced no crop. But some seed fell onto rich soil and brought forth grain, increasing and yielding thirty, sixty, and a hundred times what was sown.” He then added, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Mark 4:3-9)

In private, with the apostles, Christ explained the meaning of the parable. The seed symbolises the word of God being preached to each person, and the ground represents their hearts. In the parable, he outlined three reasons why people might fail in the Christian life ― but also spoke about the conditions for success.

The seed sown on the path represents those whom the Devil prevents from believing the gospel in the first place. The seed sown on rocky ground symbolises those who believe at first, but who fall away when persecution comes. The seed sown among thorns stands for those who come to faith, but who then prioritise the pleasures and concerns of the world over God.

The seed falling on rich soil refers to those who accept the gospel with a good heart, keep the faith and produce good works. Yet Christ noted a difference even in the response of those with good hearts – in these the good seed would multiply either thirty, sixty or hundred-fold. In other words, their lives would be either good, very good or excellent, depending on the depth of their faith.

Expanding on the parable, Pope Francis explained: “The sower is Jesus. With this image, we can see that he presents himself as one who does not impose himself, but rather offers himself. He does not attract us by conquering us, but by donating himself: he casts seeds. With patience and generosity, he spreads his Word, which is not a cage or a trap, but a seed which can bear fruit. And how can it bear fruit? If we welcome it.”

He continued: “Therefore, the parable concerns us especially. In fact, it speaks more of the soil than of the sower. Jesus carries out, so to speak, a “spiritual X-ray” of our heart, which is the soil on which the seed of the Word falls. Our heart, like the soil, may be good and then the Word bears fruit — and a great deal — but it can also be hard and impermeable. This happens when we hear the Word but it bounces off of us, just as on a street: it does not enter.”

This stained glass scene of the parable is found within the West Window of St Edward’s, Windsor. It features many gospel scenes alongside the image of the sower. Here the story is paired with another of Christ’s great parables, that of the Good Samaritan. The images are captioned with sayings from the two parables. The specific date and maker of the window is unknown.

See the full image:

Detail of the sower:

Where to find this work of art
St Edward’s, Windsor

Read the relevant passage
Mark 4:1-9

On a similar theme

• In the Old Testament: Christ linked the parable with a saying from the Prophet Isaiah, which refers to the response of the people to his preaching (Isaiah 6:9-13).
• In the New Testament: In his letter, St James Minor referred to elements of the parable.