See in your mind the seed falling on the ground—on the hard, dry path alongside the field; on shallow soil; into the midst of a patch of thorns; and finally on to good, deep soil. The main point that the parable makes so superbly is that it is the same seed that is sown in every case. The outcome depends upon the ground into which it falls. The implication seems clear: people respond in different ways to the preaching of the gospel message. It has no discernible effect on some. Others respond gladly