04 The Sower parable

The Parables of Jesus
Lesson 4:

The Sower

Last revised: 6/22/00

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1. What is the historical setting of this episode in the life of Jesus? Use Chronological Listing of Life of Christ for general identification. Do the Synoptic Gospels place this episode in the same setting? If not, identify each setting. Use outlines of Matthew, Mark, and Luke to identify each, along with historical setting identifications within each text. Use diagrams for the latter.

Mark:

Matthew:

Luke:

2. What is the literary setting of this episode in each of the Synoptic Gospel accounts? Use outlines of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Mark:

Matthew:

Luke:

3. Identify the statements in the block diagrams which contain the parable elements.
   Parable:                        Mark:              Matthew:               Luke:
   Sower:
   Sowing:
      Soil One:
      Soil Two:
      Soil Three:
      Soil Four:

Explanation:
Seed:
      Soil One:
      Soil Two:
      Soil Three:
      Soil Four:

4. Identify the historical background of the parable in the daily life of first century Palestine. Also identify any possible background use of an identical or similar parabolic metaphor in Jewish life both within and outside of the Old Testament.

5. Identify the tertium comparitionis ofeach parable. Is it the same in all the Gospel accounts? If not, identify the differences.

Mark:

Matthew:

Luke:

6. Identify the possible Sitz im Leben Kirche for each Synoptic Gospel account, by carefully analyzing the similarities and differences of each Gospel account. Use the block and semantic diagrams and analysis.

Mark:

Matthew:

Luke:

7. Identify which of the three types of parables of parables each one best fits.

8. Identify which grouping of the parables each one best fits.

9. What insights does each parable provide concerning the Kingdom of God?

10. Suggest some possible preaching and teaching needs addressed by this parable.