Jesus tells the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1–9 and explains it to his disciples in Matthew 13:18–23.  Matthew 13 tells us that the kingdom of heaven has indeed arrived in Jesus, but it will not be fully consummated until the distant future. It was commonly known that God was going to bring in His glorious kingdom by supernatural manifestations and judgments. But the mystery of the kingdom is what no one was expecting, that the kingdom which is ultimately to come in great power has already begun to enter the world in advance in a hidden form to work secretly within people. 

1. Expect Great Opposition
2. Expect Great Fruit

Jesus’ parable of the sower shows four different responses to his message. The first one hears but doesn’t understand (Matt. 13:19). The second responds joyfully but then falls away (Matt. 13:20–21). The third endures for a while but “proves unfruitful” (Matt. 13:22). Only the fourth proves to be fruitful (Matt. 13:23). What might appear on the surface to be faith may prove to be false. Only the fourth is genuine, which is evidenced by its fruitfulness. As Jesus said, “the tree is known by its fruit” (Matt. 12:33–35; see Matt. 7:15–20).

This parable seems to be THE key parable in understanding the rest of the kingdom parables. The basic principles in it about the seed and fruit are seen across several other parables so if we understand this parable it will give us insight into others.

Getting Started

1. Can you remember the first time you attended a bible study? Share your story.

• Read Matthew 13:1-23

2. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?

Digging Deeper

3. Why did Jesus say he taught in parables? (See also Matthew 13:34-35)

4. What do the seed and soils represent, and what is the fundamental difference between the first three kinds of soil and the fourth?

5. With three types of soils (hearts) not bearing fruit, how was this parable designed to encourage the disciples to be faithful witnesses of Jesus?

The Heart of the Matter

6. Why did Jesus conclude His parable saying in verse 9, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear?”

7. Some people who do not like to share the gospel argue that evangelism is not their gift. Are all believers called to be sowers?

8. What kind of soil are you? Thinking practically about it, what do you need to cut out of your life in order to cultivate better soil? What do you need to add in? What are things in your life that need cleaned out (rocks)? What desires, anxieties, fears, or sins are waiting to choke out the growth of Gospel seeds in your life (weeds)?