This document discusses the parable of the sower from Mark 4:1-20. It defines a parable as an earthly story used to help explain a heavenly meaning or mystery. It notes that there are three things to keep in mind when studying a parable: the Holy Spirit must give revelation, it must be true to life, and each parable has a main point. It then provides context about the region and crowds mentioned in Mark 3 that were present for the parable of the sower.

1. “ Parable of the Sower” - Mark 4:1-20 But first, what exactly is a parable? The Greek word literally means a throwing or placing things along side of each other, for the purpose of comparison. (Para - beside, Ballo - to throw) The parable is a story or an illustration placed along side of a truth with the intention of explaining the one by the other. An old definition says a parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning--some familiar thing of life on earth is placed alongside of some mystery of heaven, in order that our understanding of the one may help us understand the other.

2. Three things to keep in mind when studying a parable The Holy Spirit must give revelation in order that we interpret in proper manner. A parable is not a record of a historic event, but it must be true to life. Each parable has a main or a central point How did we get here? Quick review of the 4 primary obstacles to Bible study Motivation Priority Tooks and Skills Spiritual Maturity

3. Solutions to these problems according to the Bible: The Heart (Preparation) The Head (Explanation) The Feet (Application) What did we learn from Luke 24:13-35? Situation Problem Solution Results A more detailed look at the problem of the heart Mark 4:1-20, Matthew 13:1-23, and Luke 8:4-15

4. Look at the context and map of region Mark 3:7-8 - big crowds from Galilee, Judea, beyond the Jordan, Idumea, Tyre and Sydon Mark 3:16 - the disciples Mark 3:21 - extended family Mark 3:22 - scribes from Jerusalem Mark 3:31 - mother and brothers Assembled crowd maybe between 7,000-10,000