Questions Luke 8 - parable of the sower
Parable of the sower
Why did Jesus often speak in parables to his disciples? A parable is a story that carries a hidden meaning. They contain truths that are applicable to our life.
Jesus Himself explained why He spoke in parables.
Matthew 13:13-16 This is why I speak to them in parables: "Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: " 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. (NIV)
The treasures of God are available for those who seek them. A half hearted approach to God's word will not yield you much good.
As we begin to look at the parables of Jesus take the effort to meditate on their meaning. If we assume that we already know all there is to know about the parables we will not receive much.
Make it your prayer that God will open your eyes to understand and your heart to perceive the truths He has in store for you from His Word today.
Questions - Read Luke 8: 1 - 18
1. What is a parable?
2. Have you ever considered how Jesus survived financially and materially? What does Luke 8: 1- 3 tell us about the financial and material support He received? How can we support the work of God today?
3. Mention the four places where the seed fell and what they represent?
4. The way side - give some practical examples of how satan can steal the word from our heart? What does this actually mean?
5. The rock - How can we get rooted in Christ?
Ephesians 3: 17, Colossians 2: 6-8
6. Among thorns - Mention some of the thorns that we face in the world today? How do they hinder us from bearing fruit for Christ?
7. Good ground - The bible here talks about bearing fruit with patience. Why do we need patience to bear fruit? Can you give some examples of fruit bearing.
8. Luke 8: 16 - 18 - exhorts us about the danger of not hearing (or understanding) God's Word. Those who have will be given more (verse 18). What does this mean? Why does God bless those who pay heed to His Word? What are the real dangers of ignoring the Word altogether?
9. Mention some of the things you have learnt from this study?