source: www.youthwork-practice.com | 2000 Games, Devotions, Themes, Ideas and more for Youth Work
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Parables | the sower

A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear! “
(The gospel according to Luke, chapter 8, verses 5-8)

The parable makes one thing clear: It does not seem to be so easy to grow in faith. Sowing the seeds is quick and easy but then it starts.

Faith is not at all interesting for some. For some people, it goes in ear and out the other. Why should we be bothered with Jesus? Other things are much, much more important.
The next two options look a little bit better, or not? At the beginning they are enthusiastic and happy, but as soon as the first problems pop up, the subject “Jesus” is soon put away on the shelf.
Faith is downright suffocated. Problems and worries, maybe their own personal comfort, or fear of being laughed at, can make a good start suffocate. If faith does not find a steady ground where it can grow, the good start can be sentenced to death.
Finally the good news: Those who stick at it and direct their lives towards God (and not towards themselves), those who give God room to grow – something can grow out of it (joy in faith, growth and fruit...)
Possible questions which can be posed (and which you can also ask yourself)
What are the things in life which are important to you?
Which rang of priority does Jesus have and how much space does he take up in your life (thoughts - time – engagement)?
What are the possible "killers" which can disturb a good start and the good inside you?
How might you be able to stick at it (and try to make the roots even stronger)? Who can think of something?

The essence of the parable for the kids:

Make them aware that there are things that can pull us away from our faith and that anyone who means it seriously with Jesus, should do everything so that Jesus always has room to “stretch out”.

Core statements for members of staff:

The parable can also make it clear that we cannot always expect the devotions to be a hit. There will always be kids and youths who are not in the slightest bit interested. There will always be those who are enthusiastic at the beginning but who are gone again after a short flash in the pan. Do not let yourself be discouraged (otherwise the thorns will prick you too). You cannot have everything in your hands and you should simply place these things in the hands of God.

Try to prepare the best ground possible, be joyful and praise God if one or the other has fallen onto a good piece of ground. Be pleased if the faith almost “grows by itself” and gives lots of fruit later.