“ The Parable of the Farmer ”

My prayer is the kids would evaluate weather they are a true seeker of God or not. Do you have ears to hear?

1. (V1-3) A large crowd gathered around Jesus

a) Everywhere Jesus goes large crowds would follow Him

The crowds have heard of the compassion of Jesus and of His ability to meet their needs

b) Jesus got on the boat and began to teach

The boat being on the water offered a natural acoustics, being He didn’t have a PA system

c) What is a parable? A parable is, literally, something “cast alongside” something else. (Earthly story with heavenly meaning)

Jesus’ parables were stories that were “cast alongside” a truth in order to illustrate that truth.

His parables were teaching aids and can be thought of as extended analogies or inspired comparisons.

d) Why did Jesus use parables? In a large crowd, there are some who truly seek Jesus for all the right reasons, but others who are not interested in following Him

Jesus used parables to teach those with ears to hear, but for those who were not interested, the truth was hidden

In this youth group, some have ears to hear and others do not

God doesn’t force anyone to listen or even to accept Him

You have God given free will

2. (V3-9) The Parable

a) Some of the seed landed on a footpath and birds came and ate it

b) Other seed landed on shallow soil and it wilted in the hot sun and it died because it did not have root

c) Other seed fell among thorns and was chocked out

d) Still other seed fell among good soil and it grew healthy and multiplied

3. (V10-13) The disciples ask why Jesus teaches in Parables

The disciples didn’t understand the meaning of the story, so they ask Jesus why?

a) Jesus makes a distinction between those who listen and those who do not

Takes effort and a sincere heart to listen and understand

b) To those who listen more will be given, but to those who are uninterested what you have will be taken

Jesus is saying, “You must be a true seeker of God, be willing to listen, understand, and live it”

4. (V14-15) For the hearts of these people are hardened

The reason why they do not see or hear is because of their heart is hardened against Jesus

5. (V16-23) Jesus explains the Parable

Conclusion: Where are you at spiritually?

Ezekiel 12:2 ““Son of man, you live among rebels who have eyes but refuse to see. They have ears but refuse to hear. For they are a rebellious people.”