Note to parent or teacher: Here is a 20-minute lesson plan on the following lesson objectives:
Study select parables that Jesus taught and their meaning. Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Jesus, God’s Son-1e
Respect and treasure God’s Word and understand the importance of keeping and obeying God’s Word. Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: God’s Word-1b
Be able to identify the benefits of reading God’s Word daily and becoming a student of the Word. Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: God’s Word-1c
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Read the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23.
View “The Parables of Jesus: The Parable of the Sower.”
View “The Parable of the Four Soils.”
Discuss how the four places of planting seeds relate to reading God’s Word and sharing its truths with others.
- Matthew 13:3 and 18: When we hear or read God’s Word, the Word is sown like seeds of truth in our hearts. Also, when we tell others about Jesus and salvation or another wonderful truth from God’s Word, again it is the seed of God’s Word being sown into that person’s heart.
- Matthew 13:4 and 19: “Fell along the path” is like the times when we hear God’s Word but we don’t take time to understand what it says or how to apply it. It’s easy then for the Devil to “snatch” it away by causing us to forget what we heard in God’s Word.
- Matthew 13:5–6 and 20–21: “Fell on rocky ground” is an illustration of when pride in our heart causes us to not let God’s Word sink in deeply and give us faith. Then when we experience difficulty, God’s Word isn’t planted solidly enough in our hearts to give us the faith and strength we need for the situation.
- Matthew 13:7 and 22: “Fell among thorns” is similar to when we hear God’s Word and the promises in His Word, but allow fears or worries to crowd out God’s good positive thoughts. Another meaning to “fell among thorns” is if we focus so much on trying to have special pleasures or material things that we ignore Jesus and His Word.
- Matthew 13:8 and 23: “Fell on good soil” happens if we receive God’s Word into our lives and treasure it. Then the seed of God’s Word will grow and bear good fruit in our lives, such as helping us to be happy and do things for others and tell others about Jesus. Then many more people will receive Jesus’ gift of salvation too! (Read also John 15:4 and 7.)
View “The Parable of the Sower—Animation.”
Have fun and do the activities found in “Bible Space Trek: Parable of the Sower.”
Memorize a verse from “Crazily Cool Postcard Set: God’s Word.”
Additional viewing: