Lesson 16

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1. The Lord taught in parables to reveal and conceal truth.

2. The different soils represent different conditions and responses of the human heart to the Word of God.

 

practical applications

1. Let's not cast our pearls before swine.

2. Watch out for the three big fruit reducers.

A. Cares or worries / anxieties.

B. Deceitfulness of riches / love of money.

C. Desire for other things (worldly things).

 

questions

1. What is a parable? What is the purpose of teaching in parables?

2. Why didn't the sower make sure that the seed was sown on good ground?

3. Where is the "mystery" found in the Bible?

4. Is the kingdom of God here now?

5. Explain Matthew 7:6.

6. Why did the Lord rebuke the disciples?

7. In the parable of the sower, tell what each of these soils represent: a) hard wayside soil, b) rocky soil, c) thorny soil, and d) good ground.

 

answers

1. A parable is a common, earthly story that has a hidden or spiritual meaning. It's purpose is to both reveal and conceal truth (Mark 4:11). Jesus revealed truth to His followers and concealed truth to unbelievers. See Isaiah 6:9-10.

2. The sower of the First Century scattered seed from a shoulder-strap bag.

3. The mystery is something concealed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament. See Mark 4:11.

4. The present form of the kingdom of God is here in the hearts of believers, but the future kingdom of God is yet to come in power and glory.

5. The Lord Jesus did not share deeper truths of His program and Person with unbelievers. We must be careful lest unbelievers trample the truth they do not understand.

6. He gave a mild rebuke because He wanted to teach them deeper truths, yet they didn't understand this simple parable.

7. a) indifferent, insensitive hearers; the seed could be snatched away easily by Satan before it could germinate, b) a shallow heart; emotional enthusiasm, but no depth, c) spiritual strangulation; the love of riches, the cares of the world, anxiety, and other interests, and d) the ready heart; the proof is in the fruit.

 

discuss / consider

1. "Light received brings light. Light rejected brings night." What does this mean? Give an example of each.

2. Go over the "Big Three" fruit reducers. What is a 100% producer of fruit?

 

challenge

Do you desire more light? Having counted the cost, what are you willing to forego to spend more quality time with the Lord?

memorize

• "Jesus said, 'To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, so that seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand..." (Mark 4:11-12)