The Sower questions (for 4/15/20)

We are going to be talking about the Parable of the Sower this Wednesday. You can read it in Matthew 13:1-23.   http://thirdplace.cc/blog/2020/04/13/the-sower-questions-for-4-15-20/

It might help to watch the Bible Project video on the Parables to refresh you mind: https://bibleproject.com/videos/how-to-read-the-bible-the-parables-of-jesus/

1. Why Does Jesus speak in Parables (read Isaiah 6:9&10)? How would you classify the communication style of parables? What are some Old Testament examples of Parables?

2.  Take a look at two paintings of the “Sower”.  One by Jean Francois Millet’s, The Sower, from 1850 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jean-Fran%C3%A7ois_Millet_(II)_013.jpg) and Vincent Van Gogh’s, The Sower, from1888 (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Sower.jpg).  What are some of differences?  Van Gogh painted at least 30 different scenes of, “The Sower”, he was a missionary and had hopes of being a Pastor.  What are some the themes in his work that reflect his Christian world-view?

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3. Do you agree with this quote about the condition of the soil and outcomes:  “The condition of the soil determined the productivity of the fruit. The two things have to work in partnership to bring about a harvest.”? Why or why not?

4.  Using a soil metaphor, how would describe the current condition of your heart?