[Jesus] was teaching them many things in parables, and in His teaching, He said to them: “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow.” Mark 4:2-3 ESV1
Read Matthew 13:1-9 & 18-23, Mark 4:1-9 & 13-20 & Luke 8:4-15
I wouldn’t consider myself an expert by any means, but I do know quite a bit about crop production. I grew up on a farm. In college, I worked at an agronomic company helping develop corn hybrids. I live in a rural area; fields can be viewed by looking out any window of my home. I know how crops are planted. I understand how they are protected from pests, weed infestations, and unsuitable weather conditions. I am acquainted with how crops are harvested and how they are stored. And I am aware of several uses for the common crops grown in my area.
Jesus’ audience was undoubtedly familiar with the agriculture of their area. Because Jesus often used as teaching illustrations what was around Him and those He taught—this was especially true when He taught in parables—Jesus used the subject of planting seeds to teach a spiritual lesson. The hope was that His followers would gain greater understanding by taking the initiative to make the segue between the physical and what it represented in the spiritual realm.