How would your life change without farmers? Farmers figure things out and find a way to plow, plant, and harvest. No matter what.

Notes and Next Steps
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 +  Part 5 of the series "The Parables of Jesus: What's Your Story?"

“A farmer went out to sow his seed.” (Matthew 13:3)

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. (Matthew 13:1,2)

Jesus had things so important, so life-changing, he didn't want anyone to miss out.

The words of Jesus aren’t magic. They need to be heard and believed.

“Whoever has ears, let them hear.” (Matthew 13:9)

Let’s be followers of Jesus as resourceful as Jesus.

Jesus just keeps throwing and sowing, sowing and throwing, believing that growth will come.

Discussion Questions

1. As a group, make a list of at least 5 realities that make farming difficult. So, why do farmers do it?
2. Jesus does not promise that his word is magical. But it is a means of grace. Apply this to: baptism, personal devotions, and worship songs. Refer to Romans 1:16,7; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 3:21; Psalm 149:1-5. 
3. Jesus taught in the house, at the lake and on a boat. Why not just stay in the synagogue or at the temple and teach?
4. Read Matthew 13:18-23. Match each of the first 3 soil conditions to the following that get in the way of Jesus: 1) Disordered Loves, 2) Deceptive Lies, and 3) Difficulties of Life. What, according to v. 23, counteracts these?