2025 Study of Matthew’s Gospel

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

Matthew 13:1-23

Key Verses 13:23

1. What are the four types of soil described in the parable (3–8)? Why did Jesus choose to teach the crowd using parables (9–17)? What are some reasons people may not understand or receive the message of the kingdom?
2. What does the seed represent (18-19a)? Why do you think some people hear God’s word but don’t understand it, like the seed that fell along the path (19b)? What kinds of things in life might “snatch away” the word of God?
3. What does it look like when someone receives God’s word with joy but has no root (20-21a)? How do hardship or persecution reveal that someone’s faith is shallow (21b)?
4. What kind of person does the seed that fell among the thorns represent (22)? What worries of this life tend to choke spiritual growth? How does the desire for wealth or success affect a person’s spiritual life?
5. What are the qualities of the good soil (23)? Which type of soil best represents your heart right now? What specific actions can you take to cultivate your heart to become good soil—soft, receptive, and fruitful?