The Parable of the Sower is the foundational parable - the parable that explains how to makes sense of all the other parables, and even what parables are. Luke 8:10 is the key moment in the passage. Far from parables making things clearer, they are designed to hide the truth from people! or at least certain kinds of people… that’s a great place to start the conversation.

Why would Jesus want to keep secrets from the crowds?

What might those secrets be?

What is it that means the disciples can understand the parables, while the crowds can’t?

How can we learn from their example?

Activity idea

Potting soil, plant pot or paper cups, and cress seeds (or other ‘easy’ seeds to grow). Before you put the potting soil in the cup they can write Psalm 119:16 “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” on the cup. Pray together that our hearts would be ‘good soil’, and that we would hear the Word, retain it and by persevering produce a crop (Lk.18:15). Plant the seed!!

As you are working on this, start a conversation about what each of the soils represent.

When and where is the seed of God’s word sown in us?

How can we make sure - as a family - we respond well to the Word of God?

Are you worried that you might be a different kind of soil?