Does God’s kingdom work the way our world does, more, faster, stronger? A guest speaker from our partner church in the USA leads us through the parables of the fourth chapter of Mark’s Gospel (Mark 4): the lamp, the seed growing in secret, and the mustard seed that grows into a shelter for the birds. It turns out that God’s kingdom grows quietly, and it is not we who control its growth, our part is to sow faithfully, and only God gives the growth. Listen and ask yourself whether you are truly paying attention to what Jesus says, and whether you are responding to it in faith.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Jesus asks whether a lamp is brought in to be put under a bed or covered with a bowl (Mark 4:21-22). What did this image tell the disciples about why God's kingdom was hidden for a time and why it is meant to be revealed?
- In the parable of the growing seed, the farmer sows, sleeps and rises, and the seed grows though he does not know how (Mark 4:26-29). What does this picture teach about who is responsible for sowing and who brings the growth?
- Justin shares that he loves planning, efficiency and success defined as more, better, stronger. How does the humble way God's kingdom works, starting as a tiny mustard seed, challenge the way you think about success?
- The speaker describes his children hearing an instruction but not following it. What does it look like for you to listen to Jesus in a way that responds with faith and obedience, not just admiration?
- The sermon says there is no spiritually neutral ground: like muscles or a tree, we are either growing or weakening. In what area of your life do you see growth right now, and where do you see stagnation?
- Who have you been praying for or serving for a long time without visible results, and how can you faithfully do your part this week while trusting God to give the growth?
