For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Jesus tells a story about a farmer and his seeds — and it's really a story about our hearts.
Today's Story
Jesus loved to teach with parables — simple stories about everyday things that taught big truths about God.
One day He told this story: “A farmer went out to scatter his seed. Some seed fell on the hard path, and birds gobbled it up. Some fell on rocky ground — it sprouted fast, but the sun dried it up because it had no roots. Some fell among prickly weeds that choked it. But some seed fell on good, soft soil — and it grew into a huge, healthy crop!”
Then Jesus explained the secret. “The seed is God's word. And the different soils are like different hearts. A hard heart doesn't let it in. A shallow heart forgets it fast. A crowded heart lets worries choke it. But a good, soft heart hears God's word, holds onto it, and grows lots of good fruit.”
Jesus also said God's kingdom is like a tiny mustard seed — the smallest seed of all — that grows into a tree big enough for birds to nest in. Small beginnings can grow into something wonderful!
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The same seed grew differently depending on the soil. What do you think makes a heart “good soil” for God's word?
- Worries can choke God's word like prickly weeds. What worries might crowd out the good things God wants to grow in us?
- A tiny mustard seed grew into a big tree. How does it encourage you that small beginnings can grow into something wonderful?