Popularity is a fickle thing. It is actually Jesus who discouraged a popular following.
1. Crowds are not the goal. Jesus uses parables (v9,10) so His teaching is not immediately clear.
2. Who has ears to hear. Four kinds of soil - each soil represents a type of hearer. The Pathway - the devil hinders and hardens their heart. Amongst Rocks - they make a start, but fall away. The Thorns - other things take over. The Good soil - they hear, retain, and produce a crop. The true disciples, very fruitful. The disciples asks so they may always learn.
3. Sow the Word. (a) The only thing that will grow the Kingdom is the Word. (b) Have confidence in God's Word. The 4 soils all received the same seed. (c) Be prepared for a negative response. (d) The sower sows indiscriminately and so should we. (e) It is God who causes the fruit, so pray.
