The Sower
A. G. Churchill. Mark 4:3 Listen; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: I. THE SOWER. 1. Unity of purpose. His work was seed sowing, not soil culture. 2. Variety of results. II. THE SEED. 1. Its origin. Every seed was originated by Christ. But there is a sense in which every man originates his own seed. This he does when he is true to his individuality. 2. Its vitality. 3. Its growth. Man can sow, God alone can quicken. 4. Its identity. The seed is the same in all ages and climes. III. THE SOIL. 1. Hardness — "Some seeds fell by the wayside," etc 2. Shallowness — "And some fell upon stony places," etc. 3. Preoccupancy — "And some fell among thorns," etc. 4. Richness — "Other fell into good ground," etc.This soil contained all the qualities essential to fruitfulness. Moisture, depth, cleanness, and quality. (A. G. Churchill.) Parallel Verses KJV: Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: WEB: "Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow,