Do you let your political views shape your faith, or does your faith shape your political views? This sermon opens a series on Jesus as the way in the world of politics: from His conversation with Pilate about a kingdom not of this world (John 18) to three parables of the kingdom, the wheat and the weeds, the mustard seed, and the leaven (Matthew 13). Instead of pulling up weeds and offering simple slogans, Jesus proposes the way of small things that can change the world more than we expect. Listen and see how a kingdom that begins with a seed really works.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In the parable of the wheat and the weeds, the owner forbids his servants to pull the weeds before the harvest. According to Matthew 13:24-30, why was this decision wise even though it seemed illogical?
- How do the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast complement the parable of the weeds, and what do they say about how God's kingdom works in this world?
- The pastor asked: do my political views shape my theology, or does my theology shape my political views? How can you tell which comes first for you?
- What in you resists most the truth that good and evil will grow side by side until the day of judgment, and that God, not we, will separate them?
- The sermon warned against a simplified vision of the world, information bubbles, and emotion replacing real conversation. How does social media affect the way you think about people with different views?
- Austin's story of shooting free throws for orphans in Africa shows that the kingdom starts with small things. What one small act of good can you do in Jesus' name this week instead of focusing on evil?
