What does the parable of the sower mean? CQ Kids

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What does the parable of the sower mean?

Jesus spoke in many parables. A parable is a story that teaches a lesson.

Here’s what he said: (Matthew 13:3-9, NIV)

“...A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown…”

Now let’s look more deeply at the meaning:

The “seed” represents God’s message of His coming kingdom. The story is about the different reactions people have when they hear that message. The “ground” represents the conditions of peoples’ hearts.

The “seeds that fell along the path” represents a situation where people hear the message, but aren’t able to understand it and benefit from it just yet. Note that Satan’s goal is to try and prevent God’s message from entering hearts and taking root - represented by the birds devouring the seed.

The “rocky soil” represents those who hear the message and initially receive it with joy. At first, they are enthusiastic, but their zeal soon fizzles out. Like a young plant in rocky soil, the roots are shallow. At the first sign of trials or persecution, they shrivel up with fear and discouragement.

The “thorny ground” represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but the message is crowded out by things that distract them from following Jesus. Examples can be chasing money, success, possessions, or popularity on social media. The “ground” in their hearts may be good, but unfortunately there are other things growing there. The thorns must be removed so that the message can grow and produce “good fruit.”

The “good soil” represents the hearts of those who truly accept God’s message, follow Jesus at any cost and are completely devoted to God. They produce the “fruit of the spirit” in abundance as described in Galatians 5:22-23.

How can we cultivate “good soil” in our hearts for God’s message to take root?

Start a relationship with God. Pray tonight before you go to sleep. Start by telling God everything you are thankful for!

Study the Bible and become familiar with God’s word and His people. Memorize your favorite scriptures and the order of the books of the Bible.

Develop an attitude of reverence, meaning, deep respect, for God, Jesus and the Bible.

Tell others about God’s kingdom. This will give them hope and possibly inspire them to learn more about Him and His plan!

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Video credits:

Sower images by Didier Martin / freeBibleimages.com
Jesus image by Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org
Heart and cross from ID 40741309 © Frizzantine | Dreamstime.com
Font on chalkboard: “HandwritingCR” by Julia Fang (dafont.com)