Family Connection – Parable: The Sower

In the car...

This week’s lesson: The parable of the sower

Jesus explained the kingdom of heaven in many ways so that we can understand. The parable of the sower talks about different ways people hear and accept the Gospel.

Talk about throwing a seed out the window while driving. Where would it land? Talk about doing this in different places, like near a farm with good soil, or on the sidewalk, etc.

As you do this, talk about how the seed will be able to grow or not grow. Talk about how you can help someone hear the Gospel with “good soil” so that it can take good root and become a strong faith.

At home...

Read Matthew 13:1-23

Soil is important for proper growth of a seed so that it can become a strong plant. This parable explains how many different people react to the Gospel. When our soil is properly tilled, watered, and given nutrients, it has the ability to accept the seed and give it the support needed to grow into a strong fruit-bearing plant.

Discuss as a family how you prepare your soil for the Gospel to take root in your life. Discuss how you tend to your soil after the Gospel has taken root. Do you read your Bible, pray in all things, etc.?

Around the table...

This parable is directly tied to the growth of plants. Let’s say that these seeds are vegetable seeds. Most vegetable seeds are easy to tend to and grow. But if weeds are allowed, most vegetables will either grow too small or not grow at all. In order for these seeds to produce good things to eat, they must be well maintained.

Discuss as a family what type of fruit (“good things”) you produce in Christ. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

GO DEEPER: As a family, discuss your thorny plants. What are the things that get in the way of you bearing “fruit”? Talk about how you can remove those thorny plants.