This parable is titled "The Sower." That puts the emphasis on the person who preaches or teaches the word. Yet the parable does not do much in the way of describing the characteristics of the sower. In this particular instance one would suppose that Jesus implies that he is the sower. If we choose to emphasize this aspect of the parable, then we might concentrate on the question of how the contemporary sower corresponds to Jesus as the one who proclaims the message.

We might also call this parable "The Seed." That would put the emphasis on the message that is announced or communicated. Again, the parable does not present any details about the seed. No indication is given that the sower chose the seed carefully to be sure it was the best seed. The parable does not say that the sower sifted…