Sermon Discussion Questions: The Sower, the Seed, and the Soil
Mark 4:1–20
The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon from April 14, 2019, “The Sower, the Seed, and the Soil.” These questions can be used for discussion in small groups, family devotions, or for personal reflection. (PDF Link)
Main Idea: There is more than one way to miss the Kingdom of Heaven.
Outline:
I. The Parable (Mark 4:1–9)
II. The Purpose (Mark 4:10–12)
III. The Point (Mark 4:13–20)
Discussion Questions:
1. Examine the parable without addressing its explanation below.
- What does the parable tell us about the farmer?
- How does the parable describe the seed’s relationship with the soil? (Look for the three-fold verbal description of each seed).
- Does the parable indicate a seed that achieves the desired result? What is it?
2. Again without referring to the interpretation, what things can we discern from the parable itself? What details does it leave out?
3. According to the text, why did Jesus teach in parables?
4. How does Jesus’ quotation of Isaiah 6:9–10 and the events of Mark 3:22–30 help us understand why Jesus used parables?
5. What did parables force their listeners to do?
6. Should Christians try to replicate Jesus’ parables today? Why or Why not?
7. How should we be sharing the good news of the gospel? (Cf. 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:23–26)
8. If Christians are supposed to always be “prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). What questions do you struggle with the most? What steps can you take to overcome this struggle?
9. How were you personally impacted by this message?
10. What do you sense God calling you to do as a result of this message?