What Kind of Seed Are You? A 5-Week Journey to Grow Your Faith
Bible Study
Audio By Carbonatix
By Vivian Bricker, Crosswalk.com
During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He often spoke to people in parables. These parables contained truths about the Kingdom of Heaven, understood most fully by those who truly knew Him. Although Jesus used many parables, this was not His only way of teaching. He also spoke directly to His followers; however, parables allowed Him to illustrate deeper truths and paint vivid pictures of His teaching. Unfortunately, many of these parables can be difficult for us to grasp today because we may not fully understand Israel's historical and cultural context.
By studying parables within their proper historical and cultural background, we can better understand what the Lord is teaching. Some parables are easier to interpret, while others may feel like complex riddles. This is why it is important to study them carefully and seek proper context so we can clearly understand their meaning.
Over this five-week Bible study, we will focus on the Parable of the Sower. This parable teaches important truths that still apply to us today. As you move through this study, consider what the Lord may be teaching you and think about how you can apply His truths to your life. The more we understand the Lord and follow Him, the wiser we become.
Week One: Jesus Shares the Parable of the Sower
“Then he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear’” (Matthew 13:3-9).
Through this parable, Jesus teaches many important lessons. A farmer goes out to sow seed, but it falls in different places. Some seeds fall along the path and are eaten by birds. Other seed falls on rocky ground, where there is little soil, and it grows quickly but withers just as fast. Still other seed falls among thorns, which choke the plants. However, some seed falls on good soil and produces a flourishing crop.
Jesus tells us that whoever has ears should hear and take this message to heart. While farming imagery may feel unfamiliar to many today, it was deeply relatable to the people of Israel, who lived in an agricultural society. They understood what happened when the seed fell on good soil versus bad soil.
In this parable, the seeds represent people. Jesus uses this imagery to connect His audience to the message of salvation. Some will not grow or bear fruit, while others will take root and flourish. As we study each type of seed in the coming weeks, we will gain a deeper understanding of how this applies to our own faith. Along the way, we should begin to recognize which type of seed we are.
Challenge Questions:
Why do you think Jesus spoke to people in parables?
What does the Parable of the Sower teach you? Do you already have an idea of which seed you are?
How do you think this parable impacted the agricultural society of Israel?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, please reveal to me which seed I am. I fear I am not the seed that fell on good soil, but rather, I am a seed that fell on bad soil and is unfruitful. Please help me to make the necessary connections in my life and continue to teach me Your will. I praise You, and I thank You, Amen.
Week Two: The Seed Sown Along the Path
“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path” (Matthew 13:18-19).
Here, Jesus clearly explains part of the parable. The seed sown along the path represents those who hear the message of the Kingdom but do not understand it. Because of this, the evil one comes and takes away what was planted in their hearts. These individuals have not yet come to truly know the Lord.
If someone finds themselves in this situation, they can begin seeking truth through Scripture, prayer, and personal study. By pursuing the truth, they can come to know the Lord. Being the seed sown along the path is not a permanent condition, and transformation is possible. A person can grow into good soil.
Challenge Questions:
Are you the seed sown along the path? Why or why not?
If so, what steps can you take to become good soil?
Do you know someone who may be in this position? How can you help them understand the Kingdom of God?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, if I am the seed sown along the path, please reveal it to me. Help me to be among the good soil. Due to not understanding the Gospel, the devil snatched away the hope that was sown into my heart. Please help me come to know You and place my faith in You. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/sankai
Week Three: The Seed Falling on Rocky Ground
“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away” (Matthew 13:20-21).
Another type of seed Jesus describes is the one that falls on rocky ground. This represents those who hear the Gospel and initially receive it with joy. However, because they have no deep roots, their faith does not last. When challenges or persecution arise, they fall away.
If you find yourself in this category, know that you do not have to remain there. Many people begin their faith journey with great enthusiasm, but lose momentum over time. Often, this happens because their faith was not deeply rooted. The good news is that growth is still possible. By turning to the Lord, placing genuine faith in Him, and following Him wholeheartedly, you can become like a seed planted in good soil.
Challenge Questions:
Are you the seed falling on rocky ground? Why do you think that is?
Have you known someone who was once passionate about their faith but drifted away? What caused it?
What steps can you take to grow deeper roots in your faith?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I am the seed falling on rocky ground. I was passionate about sharing the Gospel and following You at the beginning, but I had no root, and the persecutions of the world led me far from You. Please forgive me, Lord, and help me to truly place faith in You, to know You, and to love You. You are amazing, Jesus. Amen.
Week Four: The Seed Falling Among the Thorns
“The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22).
The seed falling among the thorns represents those who hear the Gospel, but the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke out its impact. As a result, their faith becomes unfruitful. Unlike the rocky soil, this person does not necessarily fall away, but their spiritual growth is hindered.
Many of us may find ourselves in this position. The pressures of life—finances, future concerns, and responsibilities—can easily distract us. Wealth can also create a false sense of security, leading us to rely on it rather than on God.
However, we are not without hope. By returning to the Lord wholeheartedly and casting our cares on Him, we can overcome these distractions (1 Peter 5:7). We are also reminded to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Through trusting God and relying on Him, we can become fruitful once again (Proverbs 3:5-8).
Challenge Questions:
Are you the seed among the thorns? Why or why not?
Why do worries and wealth so often distract us from Jesus?
What are some ways you can begin living more fruitfully for the Lord?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I am the seed falling among the thorns. I’m being choked by the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth. Please help me to get back on track. I’m ashamed of allowing these things to dictate my life. I’m placing my trust solely in You, Lord. In Your Name, I pray, Amen.
Week Five: The Seed Falling on Good Soil
“But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 13:23).
The final seed Jesus describes is the one that falls on good soil. This represents those who hear the Gospel, understand it, and live it out. Their lives produce fruit, multiplying what has been sown. This fruit includes sharing the Gospel and helping others come to know Christ.
Many of us desire to be this kind of seed, but it requires intentional commitment. To grow into good soil, we must follow Jesus, love Him deeply, and dedicate our lives to Him. Out of that love, we will naturally want to share the message of salvation with others.
As we continue to grow in our faith, our lives will bear more fruit. Following Jesus not only transforms us, it also impacts others. Helping people come to know Him is one of the greatest gifts we can be part of.
Challenge Questions:
Are you the seed falling on good soil? Why or why not?
What steps can you take to become good soil?
Why can it be challenging to live as good soil?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help me become the seed that falls on good soil. I am a far way off from being this type of seed. Please help me to hear the word, understand it, and produce a crop. I want to follow You and help others come to know You as well. I praise You, Lord. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/RomoloTavani
Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.
