The Parable of the Sower

In Luke's version of the parable of the sower (found in Luke 8:4-18), we are confronted once again with the familiar description of the four different kinds of soil, all of which hear the gospel and--at least in some way--initially respond to it in "faith." However, just like in Mark (4:1-25) and Matthew (13:1-23), Luke's Jesus informs us that only one kind of soil upon which the seed (i.e. gospel) falls actually experiences final salvation. What is different about this soil compared to the other three? A comparison of the three accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke is profoundly enlightening, and if you have never studied this crucial parable in-depth, I commend this exercise to you.

I will not attempt to describe all the differences these accounts give us between the four soils which lead three to "fall away" and only one to receive salvation. But Luke's version adds something about the fourth soil which Matthew and Mark do not: in Luke 8:15 we read: "As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with perseverance.” I have translated this last word in the Greek (hypomone) not as "patience" as most English versions do, for this is a radically watered-down revision of Luke's thought. This word in Greek almost always refers to endurance/perseverance, and other words are used by NT writers when wanting to convey the thought of "patience" or "forbearance." Also, the verbal form of this same word is used by Jesus in Matthew 10:22, 24:12, and Mark 13:13 when he says that it is only the one who "endures" to end who will be saved. And most importantly, the only other time Luke uses this word in his entire gospel is in Luke 21:19, which says: "And by your perseverance you will gain your lives." This clearly does not mean "patience" here! In conclusion, then, one of the fundamental marks of the "good soil," which receives the word in faith and does not turn aside to the riches of live or the cares of this world or bows under persecution or unpopularity, and thus receives the kingdom on the last day, is perseverance.

Hebrews 10:35-39--"Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, "Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."