The Parable of the Sower 

(Part I)

Matthew 13:1-17

Key verse 13:11

He replied, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.”

Read verses 1-9.  Jesus’ story is called a parable.  Who do you think is the farmer in Jesus’ parable?  What do you think seed stands for?  How many types of bad soil did Jesus talk about?  What happened to the seed planted on the path; on the rocky places, among the thorns?  How many types of good soil did Jesus talk about?  What happened to the seed planted on good soil?  

Read verses 10-12.  What question did the disciples ask Jesus?  What was Jesus answer?  Why had the secrets of the kingdom of God been given to the disciples, but not to the crowds?  What can we learn from Jesus’ disciples?  

Read verses 13-17.  What problem did the crowds have (9)?  Why couldn’t they hear the words of God?  What would happen if they could hear God’s words?  Why are Jesus’ disciples so blessed?