When will we finally see that God’s kingdom really is changing this world, when evil seems to grow faster than good? This sermon walks through three of Jesus’ parables from Matthew 13: the mustard seed, the yeast hidden in the dough, and the wheat growing alongside the weeds. The kingdom, it turns out, begins almost invisibly, grows regardless of our successes and failures, and God reserves the separating of good from evil for the harvest. Listen, and ask whether that kingdom is growing in you as well.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Jesus describes the kingdom as a mustard seed and as yeast mixed into a large batch of flour (Matthew 13:31-33). What do these images say about how the kingdom begins and works, and why might they have surprised Jews hoping for a quick revolution?
- Why does the master in the parable of the weeds refuse to let his servants pull them up before the harvest, and how does Jesus explain this parable to his disciples?
- The sermon points out that the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast contain no conditions, because God is the one who gives growth. How does this change the way you view success and failure in sharing your faith?
- Jesus says that until the harvest, good and evil will grow tangled together. When do you find it easy to judge others, and what does the story of the bishop and his cabin mate on the ship teach you?
- The story of the musician who only pretended to play the flute shows that someone can look like part of the kingdom without truly belonging to it. What helps you tell real faith apart from merely keeping up appearances?
- Which person or situation have you been praying about for a long time without seeing results, and how can you avoid despising small beginnings this week?
