Imagine shallow soil covering a layer of rocks where seeds quickly sprout up “with joy.” But as soon as the sun comes up, they wilt and die because they have no roots.
In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23, Luke 8:4-15, Mark 4:1-20) Jesus talks of people who receive the gospel like rocky ground receives seeds.
They immediately receive God’s Word with joy, but quickly fall away when tested.
They want the benefits of salvation, but they don't want the responsibilities. God's Word, which they received with joy, now demands things of them they're unwilling to give.(1)
Perhaps someone mocks them when they stand up for unpopular teachings of Scripture. Maybe someone rejects them when they share the gospel. Or perhaps a Christian friend confronts them about their sins.
Their initial joy dissolves when they discover they might lose popularity or have to change their lifestyle.
Rocky-ground people don't understand that salvation has a cost (Luke 14:25-35).
And they don't understand the incredible reward of following Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
Let's pray for these rocky-ground people that they might know and understand the love of Jesus.
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(1) Luke simply says “testing,” but Matthew and Mark explain it is a trial directly linked to God’s Word.
To read about the first group Jesus discusses in this parable - hard-path people, see The Seed is Not the Problem.
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