Hypocrites in Church? Jesus Explains: The Parable of the Sower

We begin our series, “Hypocrites in Church? Jesus Explains” with the Parable of the Sower, as narrated by Jesus in Matthew 13:1–9 and explained to His disciples in verses 18–23. In the agricultural context of Jesus’ time, seeds were initially dispersed before being ploughed into the ground. Jesus’ Parable of the Sower illustrates the various responses to the Gospel.

The Parable of the Sower

Jesus tells the story of a sower who scatters seeds on different types of soil, representing the varied receptions of the Gospel, that is, the “Word of the Kingdom.” The condition of the heart determines whether the seed—the Gospel—takes root and grows. These four heart conditions seen in this parable are actually present in our church congregations across the globe.

We understand that the Parable of the Sower, as recounted in Matthew 13, specifically refers to individuals within the Church rather than those outside it. This is evident from Jesus’ statement that all the individuals in the parable are those who “hear the word of the kingdom” (v. 18). By emphasizing that these persons have received the message of the Kingdom, Jesus highlights that the parable addresses the varied responses of church congregants and those who have encountered the Gospel, thereby stressing the different ways in which the Word is received and acted upon within by professing Christians.

The Seeds on the Path

The first group of churchgoers are those who do not understand the “Word of the Kingdom.” Sadly, many in churches today, as a result of the Prosperity Gospel, have failed to understand the Gospel’s true message. They see it as a means to earthly wealth, social status, and personal gain rather than the divine gift of forgiveness, righteous living through the Holy Spirit, and the hope of eternal life (John 3:16, Ephesians 1:7).

Famous televangelists like Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland preach this distorted message, leading many astray. These individuals are represented by seeds sown on the path, which the evil one snatches away. The path is hard and trampled, making it unfit for agricultural activity. Many in our congregations are there for material gain and social prestige and miss the true essence of the Gospel.

The Seeds on Rocky Ground

The second group initially embraces the Gospel with enthusiasm but falls away when faced with tribulation and persecution (Matthew 13:20–21). These are the people who make a profession of faith under external pressure such as false promises of an easy life in Christ, the fear of hell, the desire for social acceptance, family expectations, and various forms of emotional manipulation. Their faith is shallow, like seeds on rocky ground where the soil is thin and unable to sustain roots. When trials come, their faith withers away, but they remain in church.

Unfortunately, many churches, in a desire to swell their numbers, sugarcoat the Gospel to entice conversions. They build huge edifices and make them comfortable with air conditioning, state-of-the-art sound systems, and luxurious seating so as to attract and keep membership. This approach results in superficial commitments that crumble under pressure, as the true cost of discipleship is not fully communicated. The Gospel should be presented honestly, highlighting both the blessings and the challenges of following Christ (Luke 14:27–28).

The Seeds Among Thorns

The third group consists of those with thorny hearts. The “thorns”—worries of life, deceitfulness of wealth, and desires for other things—choke the Gospel (Matthew 13:22). These individuals allow other concerns to overshadow their spiritual growth. The seed of the Gospel is crowded out by competing interests, preventing it from flourishing.

Unfortunately, many messages preached in pulpits today are thorny in that they teach that if one is struggling financially, healthwise, or in relationships, then it means they do not have enough faith. Churches often look favourably at rich congregants and look down on the poor, despite the clear teachings of Scripture (James 2:1–7). The result of such preaching is that people’s attention is drawn away from the riches Christ availed them of through the cross to the earthly riches that they crave. This shift in focus prevents the Gospel from taking root and flourishing in their lives, as they become entangled in the pursuit of worldly success rather than spiritual growth.

The Seeds on Good Soil

The fourth group represents those with hearts like good soil. These individuals hear the Word, understand it, and bear fruit, showing spiritual growth characterized by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

Unlike the material fruit promised by the Prosperity Gospel, this spiritual fruit signifies true transformation and alignment with God’s will. One can identify congregants who fall into this category through the following characteristics:

1. They bear spiritual fruit. They are continually growing in the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV).
2. They are unmoved from their faith by trials and tribulations.
3. They are more entranced by spiritual growth and maturity than acquiring material wealth. These individuals prioritize their relationship with God and seek to grow in Christlikeness, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to biblical integrity regardless of external circumstances.

Insights from this Parable

According to this parable, the majority of congregants are individuals who have never truly understood the Gospel and possess stony, thorny hearts. These individuals, in reality, are unbelievers with an outward Christian appearance. They are the ones Apostle Paul described as “false believers” whom he was in danger from (2 Corinthians 11:26, NIV). Their lives are frequently characterized by blatant sin for which they exhibit no remorse or conviction. Some of these individuals have even attended Bible School, graduated, and now hold leadership positions within Christian congregations.

It is impossible to be a member of a Christian congregation for any length of time without encountering such false believers. They are seated beside you in church, preaching to you from the pulpit, leading worship from the stage, teaching Sunday school classes, and serving in various ministries. Their presence within the church shows the critical importance of discerning genuine spiritual fruit and authentic faith among believers.

Equally vital is the need for you to be well-grounded in proper doctrine. Understanding sound theology is essential to equipping you to recognize and counter the deception that inevitably arises from these false believers. Without a firm grasp of biblical truths, you become vulnerable to misleading teachings and practices that can lead you astray. By immersing yourself in Scripture and adhering to orthodox doctrines, you can discern truth from falsehood, ensuring that your faith remains anchored in the authentic teachings of Christ. This vigilance in doctrine safeguards you, fostering spiritual growth grounded in truth.

Here are more insights from this parable:

1. A Fraction of True Believers

Jesus’ parable suggests that only those who are like good soil—receiving and acting on the Gospel—are genuinely transformed (Matthew 7:21–23). The sad truth is that a small portion of professing Christians globally are truly born again. This calls us to self-examination and a deeper commitment to authentic faith.

2. The False Security of the Prosperity Gospel

The Prosperity Gospel offers a false sense of security, encouraging individuals to engage in church activities while being disconnected from the true message of Christ (1 Timothy 6:9–10). This misrepresentation leads many to focus on earthly rewards rather than eternal truths.

3. The Humble Farmer’s Kingdom

The image of the Kingdom that Jesus presents is not of a king establishing a kingdom but rather of a humble farmer planting seeds. This metaphor emphasizes the slow, organic growth of God’s Kingdom, dependent on the receptivity of human hearts (Matthew 13:31–32). It reminds us of the patient, transformative work of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The Parable of the Sower teaches us about the varied responses to the Gospel and the importance of the heart’s condition. As we reflect on these insights, let us strive to be like the good soil, nurturing the seed of the Gospel to bear spiritual fruit and live lives that truly honour God.