The Parable of the Sower

Luke 8:1-15

I. The Ministry of Women 8:1-3

1.  Jesus continued his preaching tour.
2.  He was accompanied by The Twelve and some women
    1)  Mary Magdalene
    2)  Joanna 
    3)  Susana 
    4)  There were other women too
        

II. The Purpose of Parables 8:9-10

To the disciples it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom 
Gk – musteria – literally “the hidden secrets”

There are two primary purposes for parables.
    -- They reveal truth 
    -- They conceal truth

III. The Parable of the Sower 8:4-8; 11-15

1.  The Word of God goes forth like Seed.
    
2.  There are 4 related Greek words in this parable based on “sowing”.

3.  The story itself is simple enough.

    1)  Some seed falls on the trodden path.  
         		
    2)  Others – fall on ground that is rocky.
        
    3)  The thorny ground chokes the plants.
        
    4)  The good ground produces abundant fruit
        

IV. Applications

1.  Do not be a passive hearer of the Word.

2.  Be in your place for the preaching of the Word.
        
 3.  You need to be prepared for the preaching of the Word.

4.  Depend fully on God to use His Word as He sees fit.