Day 3 - The Parable of the Sower

Reading Passages: Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15 (choose one or all)

Local tradition believes that Jesus told this parable at a horseshoe-shaped cove along the Sea of Galilee, known as the “Cove of the Parables,” where His voice could carry to the large crowd to whom He spoke. 

Overlooking the crowd, Jesus knew there were some in the crowd who would take His teaching to heart, and others would not. Jesus was able to relate to the people, many who were farmers, by telling them a parable about a farmer sowing seed. 

By relating what was familiar to the listener with a spiritual truth, Jesus was able to challenge His listeners to consider the condition of their own hearts. 

As you read the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-23 what do you learn about the condition of your heart? What soil do you identify with?

Reminder: To understand the heart of Jesus’ parable here, read before and after the parable to identify the original audience Jesus was talking to and cultural reference points and characters they would have understood. Also observe the ending, which often had an unexpected twist that Jesus desired the audience to notice most.