HEAR AND BE FRUITFUL: AN EXAMINATION OF THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER IN LUKE 8:4-8
The parable of the Sower has been traditionally interpreted, focusing mostly on evangelism only. However, in this paper, the researchers highlighted the four possible meanings of the parable, such as evangelism, warning, encouragement, and eschatological aspects of it. The researchers adopted a narrative critical approach in analyzing the parable and its broader meaning in Lukan parables. Thus, Ruben Zimmermann’s integrative approach of interpretation of the gospel parables was employed to explore more possible meanings for contemporary Christians. The researchers found that all four possible meanings are appropriate. Therefore, they recommended that Christians in Nigeria and the world at large should live a holy life as they continue to preach and witness Christ, because they will meet with different kinds of people, some of whom will respond negatively and some positively, hence they should not be discouraged, and as they take heed to keep bearing fruit as they await the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Keywords: Parable, Sower, Seed, Soil, and Fruitful.