“Parable of the Sower” - Mark 4:1-20

But first, what exactly is a parable?

The Greek word literally means a throwing or placing things along side of each other, for the purpose of comparison. (Para - beside, Ballo - to throw)

The parable is a story or an illustration placed along side of a truth with the intention of explaining the one by the other.

An old definition says a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning--some familiar thing of life on earth is placed alongside of some mystery of heaven, in order that our understanding of the one may help us understand the other.

Three things to keep in mind when studying a parable

The Holy Spirit must give revelation in order that we interpret in proper manner.

A parable is not a record of a historic event, but it must be true to life.

Each parable has a main or a central point

How did we get here?

Quick review of the 4 primary obstacles to Bible study

1. Motivation

2. Priority

3. Tooks and Skills

4. Spiritual Maturity

Solutions to these problems according to the Bible:

1. The Heart (Preparation)

2. The Head (Explanation)

3. The Feet (Application)

What did we learn from Luke 24:13-35?

Situation

Problem

Solution

Results

A more detailed look at the problem of the heart

Mark 4:1-20, Matthew 13:1-23, and Luke 8:4-15

Look at the context and map of region

Mark 3:7-8 - big crowds from Galilee, Judea, beyond the Jordan, Idumea, Tyre and Sydon

Mark 3:16 - the disciples

Mark 3:21 - extended family

Mark 3:22 - scribes from Jerusalem

Mark 3:31 - mother and brothers

Assembled crowd maybe between 7,000-10,000