Jesus told a parable about a farmer who planted seeds in four different types of soil. Only one of the soils produced a good crop. Jesus explained that the soils represented people’s hearts. When the word of God is planted in a good heart, good things will be produced in that person's life.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Matthew 13:1-9,18-23 

Outline:

1. Jesus tells the parable of the farmer and seeds (Matthew 13:1-9)
2. Jesus explains why he uses parables (Matthew 13:10-17)
3. Jesus explains the meaning of the parable of the farmer and seeds (Matthew 13:18-23)

Tips for teaching:

• Children can make any craft involving seeds.
• Serve a slice of multi-grain bread to children and encourage them to find the grains or seeds in the bread.
• Draw an outline of a heart and glue seeds inside.  Write the scripture reference Matthew 13:23 on the paper.
• Adults or children can plant seeds. Try recreating the types of soil in the parable to fill four different pots.  Plant a seed in each and follow the progress over the next weeks.
• Adults should reflect on how their lives reflect God’s word growing in their lives.  How is God producing a harvest in me?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Parable of a Sower and Seeds 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org