1. On a new page, miss the top two lines and…
List as many ways as you can that people can react to hearing the message of Mark’s Gospel (try to think of four)

2. 1.8 The Parable of the Sower
Describe how the problems of discipleship are shown in The Parable of the Sower
Give your own opinion about Jesus’ explanation of the parable and problems for Christians today
Why did Jesus talk in parables?

3. The Parable of the Sower
Read page 18
Who does the farmer represent?
What do the seeds represent?
What is the “Kingdom of God”?
What does the footpath represent?
What does the rocky ground represent?
What does the thorny ground represent?
What does the fertile soil represent?
Who do the birds represent?
Why does this cause problems for Christians today? (8marks)
How does this passage show the problems of discipleship? (8)
What do you think Jesus means by the Kingdom of God. Can you explain it another way?
Give four different reactions to being told about God.
Learn the key terms

4. The Parable of the Sower
EXT: Explain what distractions there might be in the world today for someone represented by thorny ground?

5. The Parable of the Sower
Jesus: There was once a farmer scattering seeds on a field.
Farmer: I am a sower (walk around scattering seeds) sow, sow , sow.
Jesus: Some of the seeds fell on the path where they got eaten by the birds.
Farmer: O look, some of the seeds are falling on the path, I hope they don’t get eaten by the birds.
Bird: (fly down and eat the seeds) mmm these are great seeds.
Jesus: Some of the seeds fell on the rocky ground.
Farmer: Really? That is annoying, is that bad
Jesus: Well you are a rubbish shot, and it is bad, the seeds that fall on the rocky soil will start to grow but then the sun will come out and burn them to death (evil laugh)

6. Farmer: Aren’t you supposed to be the good guy?
Jesus: Yeah, sorry, I got carried away. Come on keep scattering the seeds.
Farmer (scatter seeds) Scatter, scatter, scatter
Jesus Some of the seeds fell on the thorny ground
Farmer What, I was being really careful this time. What will happen to those seeds?
Jesus The seeds among the thorns will grow but will soon be choked by the thorns and die.
Farmer Gutted
Jesus Come on, try again
Farmer (scatter seeds) Scatter, scatter, scatter
Jesus Some of the seeds fall on the good soil and they will grow. Some will produce 10 more, others 20.

7. Problems Shown
How does this passage show the problems of discipleship? (8)

8. Cause problems
Why does this cause problems for Christians today? (8marks)