And another part fell on rocky ground, where there was not much soil, and it sprang up at once, because the soil was not deep.
This soil is different from the soil by the road, because here the seed does not remain only on the surface, but sinks to some extent into the soil that is there and even sprouts quickly. Yet beneath it there is no deep soil. Outwardly life appears, but inwardly there is no depth. This is the picture of people who respond quickly to the word of God. They may be moved, rejoice, be stirred up, and seem like those who have a good beginning. But if, in the depths of the heart, true repentance, humility, and being rooted in the truth do not take place, then that quickly sprouted life will not last long. Spiritual life cannot survive by emotion alone or by a first impression. It must have deep roots in the truth of God. Here it is taught that outward quickness is not always a sign of reliability. Sometimes what sprouts the fastest is what dries up the soonest.