Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23

1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

PROPS: cut flower, seeds, small empty pot, small pot with rocks, small pot with dirt

Good Morning! Have any of you helped your parents in the garden? Oh, good. Then I need your help this morning. After church today, I am going to plant this flower. I thought I would just put it in this pot (show the empty one). Do you think that will work? No? Why not? (help them answer if necessary). Oh, I see, since this flower is cut off and has no roots, it can't grow. What else could I plant? Seeds! That's a great idea. Can I just pour them in here? The pot needs something--how about these rocks--can I put the seeds in there? No? Then what should I use? Dirt. Ok, so if I put these seeds in the dirt and water them, then I'll get a plant.

You all are pretty smart. Do you know that Jesus said some of the same things about seeds--that they won't grow in the rocks and that they need good soil. But, I don't think Jesus was really talking about these kinds of seeds. I think Jesus was talking about a special kind of seed that comes from him. Do you know where it gets planted? In your heart! How do you think it gets in there? When your parents teach you, when you come to Sunday School & church, when you love each other--all of that puts seeds in your hearts. What do you think Jesus wants to have grow from those seeds? Love, Caring, Kindness, Sharing. And sometimes, we're good at those things, and sometimes are hearts might feel a little 'rocky' and we need Jesus to help us be loving. But just like with these flowers, the more they grow and bloom, the more seeds they make. The more we love each other and care about each other, the more love grows too.

Let's say a prayer about that. Repeat after me: (pause so they can do so).
Dear God,

Thank you for planting the seeds of your love in my heart. Help me to grow in your love and to show kindness, caring, and love to others.

Amen