1. Lesson 3: The Parable of the Sower

2. The Parable of the Sower: The Background Jesus had healed a blind and mute man who was demon-possessed (Matt. 12:22)Jesus had healed a blind and mute man who was demon-possessed (Matt. 12:22) The miracle aroused interest/amazement and controversy/skepticism (12:23-24)The miracle aroused interest/amazement and controversy/skepticism (12:23-24) Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their unbelief (12:38-45)Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their unbelief (12:38-45) Jesus taught that whoever does the will of His Father is His brother/sister/mother (12:46-50)Jesus taught that whoever does the will of His Father is His brother/sister/mother (12:46-50) Jesus taught great multitudes (13:1-2)Jesus taught great multitudes (13:1-2) Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

3. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SowerThe Sower –The sower went forth to sow, as was common in those days –Initially, the sower represented Christ, who went out teaching and sowing the Word. –In application and principle, it is the responsibility of every Christian to be the sower, sowing the seed of the kingdom (cf. Acts 8:4). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

4. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SowerThe Sower –Some Truths for the Sower He must sow the seed and leave the increase to God (Isa. 55:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:6).He must sow the seed and leave the increase to God (Isa. 55:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:6). He must sow at all times, not waiting until everything is favorable (Ecc. 11:4-6; 2 Tim. 4:2).He must sow at all times, not waiting until everything is favorable (Ecc. 11:4-6; 2 Tim. 4:2). He must sow, realizing that others may reap the harvest (John 4:35-38).He must sow, realizing that others may reap the harvest (John 4:35-38). He must sow on all kinds of soil (Matt. 13:3-8).He must sow on all kinds of soil (Matt. 13:3-8). He must sow with the right attitude (2 Tim. 2:24-28; Eph. 4:15).He must sow with the right attitude (2 Tim. 2:24-28; Eph. 4:15). He must believe in the seed he sows (Rom. 1:16).He must believe in the seed he sows (Rom. 1:16). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

5. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SeedThe Seed –The seed was dispersed by the sower. –The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). –The seed, representing the Word of God, is that which contains life (John 6:63; 1 Peter 1:23). –The seed always produces after its kind (Gen. 1:11; Gal. 6:7). –The seed produced Christians only in the first century and will produce the same today. –The seed can be mixed (Mt. 13:24-25; Ga. 1:6-9). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

6. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SoilsThe Soils –The soils denote the various sorts of attitudes that men have towards the gospel. –The success of the sowing depends upon the soils into which the seed falls. –Hearts must be prepared to seek and receive the Word (2 Chron. 19:3; 30:19; Ezra 7:10). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15