Introduction

Matthew 13:1-9

Matthew 13:18-23

The Sower

1. The job of the sower

• Matthew 13:3

• Matthew 28:19-20

• Matthew 5:11-12

The Seed

1. The Word of God

• Matthew 13:18-19

• Mark 4:14

• Luke 8:11

• Isaiah 55:11

• Romans 10:15-17

• 2 Peter 1:3

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17

• Matthew 13:23

The Soil

1. Hard soil

Matthew 13:4

Matthew 13:19

1 Corinthians 1:18

2. Rocky soil

Matthew 13:5-6

Matthew 13:20-21

Matthew 16:24

1 John 3:9

3. Thorny soil

Matthew 13:7

Matthew 13:22

4. Fertile soil

Matthew 13:8

Matthew 13:23

John 15:1-8

Application of the soils

What has been your testimony hearing the Words of Jesus?

Are you becoming like Him? Behaving like Him? Burdened like Him?

• Romans 6:22

• Galatians 5:22-23

• Romans 1:13

Warm-Up

Think about something you’ve tried to grow (a plant, a habit, a relationship).

What helped it grow? What made it difficult?

Sermon Discussion

Read Matthew 13:1–9 and 13:18–23.

Key Insight: The sower is faithful. The seed is powerful. The soil makes the difference. Jesus shifted attention away from how well the seed is sown to how it is received.

The Sower

Read: Matthew 13:3; Matthew 28:19–20; Matthew 5:11–12

What is the job of the sower in the parable?

What is not the sower’s responsibility?

Why do you think Jesus includes sowing on places where growth seems unlikely?

Where has God placed you to sow the word (home, work, school, friendships)?

How does knowing that results are God’s responsibility bring freedom or courage?

The Seed

Read: Matthew 13:18–19; Mark 4:14; Luke 8:11; Isaiah 55:11

How does Scripture describe the power of God’s Word?

What does Isaiah 55:11 teach us about whether God’s Word ever “fails”?

Why is it important to remember that growth comes from the Word itself, not from personality or delivery?

How often is God’s Word present in your home or personal life?

What small step could increase regular exposure to Scripture this week?

The Soil

Key Insight: The soils describe responses, not personalities. Hearts can change.

1. Hard Soil

Read: Matthew 13:4, 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18

What makes a heart resistant or closed to God’s Word?

What are modern ways people “hear but don’t understand”?

Are there areas where you’ve stopped listening to the Word because the message feels uncomfortable?

2. Rocky Soil

Read: Matthew 13:5–6, 20–21; Matthew 16:24

Why does shallow faith struggle when difficulty comes?

How does Jesus’ call to take up the cross challenge quick, easy faith?

What helps faith grow roots in hard seasons?

3. Thorny Soil

Read: Matthew 13:7, 22

What are the “thorns” Jesus mentioned in His parable? What “thorns” tend to choke out spiritual growth today?

How can good things become dangerous distractions?

What competes most for attention in your life?

4. Fertile Soil

Read: Matthew 13:8, 23; John 15:1–8

What does fruitful faith look like according to Jesus?

Why does fruit take time?

Key Insight: Fruit is evidence of ongoing connection/relationship with Christ (John 15). It is anchored hope, sustained faithfulness (fealty, allegience), and preserved humility.

Application:

Applicational Insight: This parable is not about judging others’ soil, but about tending our own hearts while faithfully sowing the Word.

What has been your testimony of hearing, understanding, yielding to & obeying the words of Jesus?

Are you becoming like Him? Behaving like Him? Burdened like Him?

Which soil best describes your response to God and His Word right now?

What is one practical step God is inviting you to take this week to cultivate fertile soil?

Closing Practice & Prayer

Ask God to:

• Soften hard places

• Deepen endurance and perseverance

• Remove distractions (thorns)

• Produce a desire to walk by faith with Christ