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    The Parable of the Sower: Sunday School Lesson

    Matthew 13:1–23

    Ages 6–12 ~45 min Memory: Matthew 13:23

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    The same word falls on every heart; the difference is the soil.

    Story Summary

    A sower went out to sow. Some seed fell by the way side and the fowls ate it; some on stony places and it withered; some among thorns and it was choked; and some on good ground and brought forth fruit — thirty, sixty, a hundredfold. Jesus explained that the seed is the word of God and the soils are hearts.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit.”

    Matthew 13:23

    Discussion Questions

    1. What are the four kinds of ground?
    2. What are the 'thorns' Jesus warned about?

      Teacher hint: The care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches (Matt 13:22).

    3. How can a stony heart become good ground?
    4. Which soil describes you at the moment? Be honest with yourself.

    Craft Idea: Four Soils Tray

    Supplies

    • Paper plate divided into four
    • Gravel, sand, twigs and soil (or coloured paper)
    • Bird seed or dried beans
    • Glue

    Steps

    1. Divide the plate into four sections and label them.
    2. Glue a different material into each section.
    3. Drop a few seeds on each and see what happens.
    4. Write Matthew 13:23 around the rim.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page as the worksheet; pair with the sower coloring page.

    Coloring page This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Matthew 13:1–23.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the four soils tray.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

    Teaching The Parable of the Sower? Here is what to grab next for your class.