The Parable of the Sower
By Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
I am grateful to speak to you about the importance of how we hear and act on the word of God, especially in our homes and families.
This message is not just about teaching doctrines but about how we apply the teachings of Jesus Christ in our lives. It is about our personal discipleship and how the gospel of Jesus Christ influences our choices in our homes, communities, and hearts. At Easter, we reflect on what the Savior has done for us, and this parable teaches how His word can take root in our lives.
The parable of the sower is one of the most well-known and deeply meaningful teachings of Jesus, recorded in all three synoptic gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This parable describes how the word of God is received by different types of people. Jesus says the “seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11).
The first type of ground is the wayside: “Some seed fell by the wayside; and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up” (Mark 4:4). This represents those who hear the word but quickly lose it because it never takes root in their hearts.
I. Stony Ground: No Depth
Jesus said that some seed “fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up… but when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away” (Mark 4:5 6). These are those who hear the word and initially receive it with joy, but they have no depth and fall away when trials or persecution come.
How do we ensure that the word of God takes deep root in us? Some people are initially excited to learn about the Church or the gospel, but fall away because they were not truly converted or committed. Even long-time members can be vulnerable if they don’t nourish their spiritual roots.
Music is one area that can influence our spiritual sensitivity. It can uplift or corrupt. With today’s technology, we must be cautious about what kinds of music and media we allow into our hearts and homes. Just because music is popular doesn’t mean it is good for our souls.
There are also distractions and competing voices in the world that can lead us away from the gospel. President Gordon B. Hinckley once warned aboutthe media that makes what is evil look attractive and what is good seem boring or laughable.
II. Among Thorns: Choked by Cares and Riches
Jesus taught that some seed “fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit” (Mark 4:7). These are the people who hear the word but are distracted by the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things. These distractions choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
We see examples of this when people prioritize wealth, success, or pleasure over spiritual things. Jesus warned a rich young ruler that he lacked one thing—he needed to give up his possessions to follow Christ (Mark 10:17–24), but he walked away sorrowful because he loved his wealth more.
The Book of Mormon describes how the people of God sometimes fell into pride and materialism, causing many to fall away from the Church. Elder Hugh Nibley once said that the influence of the world can “suffocate” our spiritual growth if we are not careful.
The pleasures of the world and the deceitfulness of riches are powerful distractions. We must resist them and keep our hearts focused on what truly matters.
III. Good Ground: Receiving and Bearing Fruit
The final type of soil is “good ground.” Jesus said, “These are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit” (Mark 4:20). This represents those who not only hear the word but also accept and act on it. They bear fruit in their lives—spiritual growth, service, faith, and enduring commitment.
Elder Charles J. Chaput, a Catholic archbishop, once said that it’s not enough to have faith privately; it must be lived in our homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. That is how the gospel bears fruit.
The parable of the sower teaches that the difference in results is not because of the seed, which is always good, but because of the type of soil—the condition of our hearts.