The Parable of the Sower

Key texts: Mark 4:1-20, Isaiah 6:9-10; Matt 13:1-23, Luke 8:1-15

Key Points

• First of only eight parables used by Mark
• Parables used by Jesus to unpack the character of the Kingdom
• Continued disobedience will lead to spiritual deafness
• Understanding springs from intimacy and revelation
• This parable key to all the parables
• The importance of the Word alongside experience of miracles
• Power of the Word – 30, 60, 100
• Enemies of the Word

o   The Devil – “Did God really say?”

o   Superficial hearts and minds that spring from superficial lifestyle

o   Distraction of busy lives accumulating “stuff”

• The Word and my life
• The Word and the life of others

Discussion starters

• What sort of soil am I?
• How might I improve my soil?
• How might I influence others receptivity to the Word?

Sermon Topics: The Parable of the sower