Matthew 13: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 13 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus goes out of the house and sits by the seaside, where great multitudes gather. He teaches them the Parable of the Sower, describing how seeds fall in various places and yield different results (vv. 1-9).

Key verse

“But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.”
Matthew 13:16 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 13:1–9 The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:10–17 Purpose of Parables Explained
Matthew 13:18–23 Explanation of the Sower's Parable
Matthew 13:24–30 The Parable of the Weeds
Matthew 13:31–33 Parables of Growth
Matthew 13:34–50 Further Clarifications and Final Judgment
Matthew 13:51–58 Rejection in Nazareth

Discussion questions

In v23, what does it mean for the good seed to yield fruit?
In v6, why do the seeds wither away when the sun rises?
In v12, what does it mean that 'whoever has, to him will be given'?
The phrase 'by hearing you will hear' in v14: what is Jesus indicating about understanding?
When have you faced challenges that made you feel like the word was being choked by 'thorns' (v22)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 13: Mark 4, Mark 8, Matthew 25.

Before next time: read Matthew 14.