Suggested Lesson Development

Attention Activity

As appropriate, use the following activity or one of your own to begin the lesson.

Invite class members to imagine they are riding in a bus. As the journey progresses, they look through the windows of the bus and observe the scenery.

Point out that people in the same situation do not always observe the same things. Likewise, not all the people who heard Jesus teach in parables understood how the parables applied to them. This lesson will discuss how we can understand and apply Jesus’ parables.

Scripture Discussion and Application

As you discuss the following parables, ensure that class members know what the different persons, objects, and actions represent. This will help them understand the parables and apply them in their lives.

1. Jesus presents the parable of the sower and explains his use of parables.

Read and discuss Matthew 13:1–17.

Ask a class member to read aloud the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3–8). Invite the other class members to read along, remembering that the objects and actions in the parable represent gospel truths.

Leave the words you have written on the chalkboard, and explain that in a few minutes you will discuss the truths they represent.

2. Jesus explains the parable of the sower.

Read Matthew 13:18–23, and discuss the meaning of the objects and actions in the parable of the sower.

Seed
Wayside
Stony Places
Thorny Places
Good Ground

3. Jesus uses parables to teach about the kingdom of heaven on earth (the Church of Jesus Christ).

Read and discuss selected verses from Matthew 13:24–53. Explain that in these verses the term “kingdom of heaven” refers to the Church of Jesus Christ, which is the kingdom of heaven on earth (Bible Dictionary, “Kingdom of Heaven or Kingdom of God,” 721).

Conclusion

Point out that Jesus explained his parables to those who sought understanding. Testify that as we study Jesus’ parables with a sincere desire to understand, we will see how they apply in our day.