Sunday, May 17thThe Parable of the Sower

Luke 8:4-8

While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seeds fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

Explanation:

Jesus told this parable as a large crowd was gathering. Jesus knew, however, that popularity could be undependable. The parable He was about to give would illustrate that very point! Jesus’ disciples needed to understand that not everyone would be open to the gospel message.The seed represents God’s Word. The seed lands on four different types of soil: hard, shallow, weedy, and good.There is nothing wrong with the farmer or with his seed. Everything is dependent on the soil.

Some seed “fell along the path”. Hard-packed dirt walking paths divided fields. This represents hard hearts that hear but refuse to believe. “Some fell on rocky ground”. Sheets of solid rock covered by thin layers of dirt caused seeds to sprout quickly, only to wither and die from the roots’ inability to reach water. Those represented by this kind of soil “believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away”.“Other seed fell among thorns”. Peer pressure, being with the wrong crowd, and not maturing spiritually can all become weeds that choke the life out of faith. Those surrounded by thorns need to be transplanted to better surroundings whenever possible. Despite the discouragement of many seeds falling on unproductive soil, some seed fell on good soil, producing a crop “a hundred times more than was sown” . These are people who hear Jesus’ message, take it to heart, and live by it.

***See next two pages for related activities.

Craft- Create a visual image of the Parable of the Sower:

Create a drawing, collage, or diorama of the four different types of believers.

Science experiment

Give each of your children 4 seeds. Have them walk around your yard and choose a spot to plant each seed.

1 seed on the path

1 seed on rocky soil

1 seed on weeds

1 seed in good healthy soil.

Over the next week or two have your kids go back to each seed to water it and observe the progress. At the end of 2 weeks (hopefully) you should have only one healthy plant growing in the good soil.

Closing Prayer

Dear God thank you for sending your son in order to give us the gift of faith. Thank you for all of the ways you have planted the seeds of faith in our lives. Please help us to grow in faith through your love. Amen.