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“Jesus the Farmer”
Jesus the Farmer
Wade Webster
Probably, when you think of the occupations used by the Bible to describe Jesus, you think of carpenter, teacher, physician, or shepherd. You probably don’t think of him as a farmer. Yet, He once described Himself in this way. Matthew records, “He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man” (Mt. 13:37). Two of His parables, the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Tares, reveal that He had a great knowledge of farming (Mt. 13).
He Understood the Soil: A good farmer recognizes the difference in soils. Farmers prefer rich bottom land to rocky hillsides. They prefer well-watered land to arid land. Our Lord knew that there were differences in soils. In the Parable of the Sower, He spoke of four different types of soil (Mt. 13). As you know, the four soils represent different hearts (Mt. 13:19). As farmers today, we must also recognize the difference in soils. Since we are not able to see the hearts of men, we must sow the seed whenever and wherever we are given the opportunity. We must not become discouraged when the seed falls into unfruitful ground. We must keep sowing.
Farmers understand that even among good ground, there are different amounts produced. Sometimes one acre will produce more than the next acre. Jesus understood that some good soil will produce thirty, some sixty, and some an hundredfold (Mt. 13:23). Jesus clearly knew that there are differences in people. In the Parable of the Talents, we have talents distributed to men according to their ability. As you recall, one man received five talents, another two, and another one (Mt. 25). As farmers today, we must understand that different soils have different abilities and will produce different amounts (Rom. 12:4-8; I Cor. 12:14-27).
He Understood the Seed: All farmers understand that the seed must be planted to grow. Seed which is still in the barn won't produce anything. Farmers have to get their seed into the ground. As a farmer, Jesus understood that the seed had to be planted. He often talked about men who "sowed" seed (Mt. 13:24, 31; Mk. 4:14, 26, 31; Lk. 8:5; 13:19). No doubt, He understood that there are a number of different ways to plant seeds. Some seeds like wheat are broadcasted over a large area. As you recall, he often employed this method by teaching great multitudes (Mt. 13:2; 15:33). Other seeds like watermelons are planted in small hills or groups. In the gospel accounts, we often see Jesus talking to small groups of people (John 3, 4). Some seeds like corn are sown in rows. Jesus employed this method by being very systematic in His teaching. Other seeds are sown by accident (Mk. 4:27).
All farmers know that you have to use good seed. Some farmers have one seed company which they prefer above all others. Others save their own seed to guarantee that they have good seed. If a farmer plants bad seed, he has to replant. Jesus knew that good seed had to be planted (Mt. 13:37). In the Parable of the Tares, Jesus spoke of sowing good seed (Mt. 13:24, 27, 37). Of course, the good seed which Jesus sowed was the word of God (Lk. 8:11). You may recall that the seed which the children of Israel were to plant was to be unmingled seed (Lev. 19:19). Jesus and the apostles planted unmingled seed. They taught the unadulterated truth (John 17:17; Gal. 1:6-8; I Thess. 2:13). Sadlu, while Jesus and His servants were sowing good seeds, others were sowing bad seeds. As the Parable of the Tares reveals, the devil does his own planting (Mt. 13:38-40; cf. II Cor. 11:15). Like Jesus, we must sow the precious seed of God (Psa. 126:6). We must plant seed which is unmingled with denominationalism, liberalism, or modernism (Rev. 22:18-19). We must plant the uncorrupted seed of the gospel (I Pet. 1:23).
All farmers know that seeds produce after their kind. If they want corn, they plant corn seed. If they want an apple tree, they plant apple seeds. Jesus knew that every seed produces after its kind. As Creator, He set this law up from creation (Gen. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:9). He knew that the word of God would produce a child of God (Lk. 8:11; John 17:17). Today, we need to learn that every seed produces after its kind. It is true in physical creation and in spiritual creation. The pure, unadulterated seed of the gospel will produce a Christian. If you end up with something other than a Christian, then a seed other than the gospel was planted.
He Understood the Sower: Farmers know that in plowing they have to keep their eyes fixed on the end of the row. No doubt, you recall the words of Jesus when he warned about looking back once you have put your hand to the plow (Lk. 9:62). The Hebrew writer pictures Jesus as fixing His eyes on the joy that was set before Him (Heb. 12:1-2). Like Jesus, we must keep our eyes fixed on heaven (Phil. 3:13-14; Heb. 11:14-16).
All farmers know that there are threats to their seeds and plants. They understand that insects like beetles, cutworms, and weevils, animals like birds, deer, groundhogs, and raccoons, and weeds all pose a threat. As a farmer, Jesus understood that there were things which threatened seeds and plants. In the Parable of the Sower, He warned of the birds and thorns (Mt. 13:4, 7). In the Parable of the Tares, He warned of the tares which often grew among the wheat (Mt. 13:25-26).
The farmer has to plant hoping to reap a harvest. He is dependent upon the right soil and the right weather. He plants in good faith. Jesus understood that the farmer must sow the seed in good faith. He knew that some seeds would not sprout because the ground was too hard (Mt. 13:4). He knew that some plants would not make it to harvest because of rocks and thorns (Mt. 13:5-7). As farmers today, we must sow the seed in good faith. We don't always know whether or not the seed which we have sown will prosper (Eccl. 11:6). We must plant and water confidently knowing that God will give the increase (I Cor. 3:6).
All farmers understand that it takes time for the seed to produce a harvest. You don't plant one day and pick the next day (Jam. 5:7). As a farmer, Jesus understood that it takes time for a plant to grow. In one of His parables, He discussed how the seed springs up and then grows up (Mk. 4:27). He knew that the blade comes first, then the ear, and then the full ear in the corn (Mk. 4:28-29). Today, we must understand that it takes time for the seeds which we have sown to reach maturity. Sometimes, it takes months or years for the seeds which we have sown to produce. Often, it takes sermon after sermon and invitation after invitation to lead one to obedience. We must not be discouraged when we teach a person the truth and they do not obey immediately.
In order to follow in Christ's footsteps (I Pet. 2:21), we must go to the field and work (I Cor. 3:6, 9). Jesus was a farmer! How about you?
