October 20, 2024

Parables of the Kingdom

WHEN THE WEEDS ARE THICK
Icebreakers:

1. Do you ever have to weed a garden, flower bed, or lawn? 
2. What do to keep out the weeds?
   

Discussion:
Review the Parable of the Weeds in Matthew 13: 24-30 and Jesus' explanation in Matthew 13:36-43. 

1. What are the key characters and elements of this parable and what do they represent?
2. What is some important background information about the disciples, their expectation of the Messiah and his Kingdom, and a comparison of wheat and the weeds (darnel)?
3. What is or are the major twists in this parable?
   Note: Think about why there are still weeds (evil) in the field (world) if the sower (Jesus) sowed good seed (kingdom). Also think about the owner's command to not pull up the weeds and let them grow together till the harvest.
   

Application:

1. Do you ever get discouraged, frustrated, or even angry with evil in the world and the people who commit it?
2. What are some things we do that are actually attempts to "pull up the weeds"?
3. What can we do to obey the command to "let them grow together"?
4. What role does remembering God's plan for us--our destiny--play in our ability to "let them grow together"? Namely, that "the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their father."

Prayer
Take time to ask for personal prayer requests and pray for each other.