Study Preparation and Discussion Questions - Mark 4.1-20
The Parable of the Sower
Recommended Preparation
1) Mark 4.1-20
2) Mark For Everyone, pages 41-45
3) Seed of the Kingdom, Tim Keller sermon
4) Simply Jesus, Chapter 6 (general discussion on parables)
5) Jesus and the Victory of God, pages 230-239
Discussion Questions
1) This parable is often interpreted as illustrating different ways individuals respond to the gospel, and there is some truth in that. Yet, as Jesus and his listeners well knew, the Old Testament frequently uses the image of a vineyard or field to represent Israel, and harvest to represent God's dealings with it. If we take this line of interpretation, what might Jesus be saying about the past, present and future of Israel through this parable?
2) As we look at Mark 4.11-12, why might Jesus not want some listeners to understand what he is saying?
3) How does Jesus' parable offer a different vision of Israel and its future than was expected by most Jews of his day?
4) What preconceptions about how God is supposed to work today might actually prevent us and others from welcoming God and his word?
1) Mark 4.1-20
2) Mark For Everyone, pages 41-45
3) Seed of the Kingdom, Tim Keller sermon
4) Simply Jesus, Chapter 6 (general discussion on parables)
5) Jesus and the Victory of God, pages 230-239
Discussion Questions
1) This parable is often interpreted as illustrating different ways individuals respond to the gospel, and there is some truth in that. Yet, as Jesus and his listeners well knew, the Old Testament frequently uses the image of a vineyard or field to represent Israel, and harvest to represent God's dealings with it. If we take this line of interpretation, what might Jesus be saying about the past, present and future of Israel through this parable?
2) As we look at Mark 4.11-12, why might Jesus not want some listeners to understand what he is saying?
3) How does Jesus' parable offer a different vision of Israel and its future than was expected by most Jews of his day?
4) What preconceptions about how God is supposed to work today might actually prevent us and others from welcoming God and his word?