Week 1
A study for Community Groups to use the week of October 19th
To prepare for your group discussion each week, group members should use the Community Group Discussion Guide to complete the GOD’S WORDS and MY WORDS columns using the scripture below.
Week One: Matthew 13:1-2, 10-17
Overview
From beginning to end of Jesus’ time on this earth the kingdom of God was a subject He could not stop talking about. It was one of the first things He proclaimed there on the banks of the Jordan. It was what He told His disciples about even after His resurrection. It was proclaimed through parables, subtly mentioned in prayers. But what is it? Kingdom Come is an invitation for all of us to engage Jesus’ invitation to allow His goodness and grace to increasingly rule every area of our hearts so that good news multiplies from every heart and every home; beginning with ours.
Passage: Matthew 13:10-17
“Jesus explained that He was teaching in parables because He wanted to give new revelation concerning the kingdom to His disciples but not to the multitudes (cf. 7:6). Therefore He presented this truth in a veiled way. The word “mysteries” (Gr. mysterion, secrets) comes from the Old Testament and the Hebrew word raz. It refers to what God knows will happen in the future. “Mysteries” are “secrets,” namely, divine plans for the future that He reveals to His people.” – Constable’s Notes
Questions
*In the Discipleship Guide you will find basic questions we want all to use as they begin to look at the passage. Questions such as; Who have you had the opportunity to BLESS this week? What does this passage reveal about God? About people? About the life He has planned for us? These additional questions relate to the passage specifically for your benefit.
- 1. As Jesus describes a parable, it is an illustration meant to explain a deeper truth, perhaps a heavenly truth, using an earthly example. What would the modern day equivalent of a parable be in our world?
- 2. Much of the parables were meant to force us to not just process information, but act on truth Jesus was teaching. What might be some reasons we so easily can look for more religious information rather than the deeper work of heart change that Jesus came to produce?
- 3. The kingdom of heaven is the goodness and grace of God reigning over every area of your heart. As you think about your life in this season, what areas can you identify where you long for His grace and goodness to reign more consistently?
- 4. As a group, set a goal to pray, “Your Kingdom Come, Your will be done, in my world as it is in heaven.” As you do, have eyes to see and ears to hear what step God may be leading you to take. Come back next week ready to share your experience!