Parable of the Lampstand Small Group Questions

Small Group Questions Mark 4:21-25.

What was your biggest takeaway from the Parable of the Sower/Soils from Sr. High One Wednesday?

What were the 4 Soils and what did they represent?

The Path - “Calloused Heart” - When we are calloused by the world around us, the word of God has a hard time piercing our hearts. It just bounces off of a thick wall that is meant to Guard us from being hurt, but keeps out the one thing that can heal us. The one thing that can mend our brokenness!

The Rocky Ground - “Shallow Heart” - We can have an emotional experience, but we never really get further than that. Then life gets hard, and because we have no roots, we turn our backs on Jesus.

The Thorns - “Crowded Heart” - When we try to split our Hearts between Jesus and other things the other things always end up taking priority when one has to be chosen.

The Good soil - “Ready Heart” - This is where we want to be. Waiting in the Ready for any opportunity to serve Jesus!

Have someone ready Mark 4:21-22.

Considering the time and culture, why do you think Jesus uses this example? Specifically Vs. 21

We’ve all got secrets, right? Do we keep secrets, wanting them to or, assuming that they will be found out?

How does Vs. 22 challenge that assumption?

Tell of a way that Secrets have backfired on you in the past.

While the last question was about personal secrets, Vs. 21-22 are talking about something different. Jesus is talking to those people who now claim to be Christians. And the secret “Hidden light” He’s talking about is the Gospel.

Does it make sense to Hide the Light when darkness is all around?

How often are we having Gospel Conversations with our Peers?

What drives you to do so, or holds you back?

What does Jesus mean by “Ears to hear” in Vs. 23

“Christians will understand the message”

Have Someone read Mark 4:24-25.

Why is this section both encouraging, and challenging?

Jesus both Blesses us, and gives us responsibility to be faithful and to share his word with the world. When we choose not to do that, he has every right to do whatever he sees fit with the blessings that He’s given us.

Have we been holding the light of Christ up high for everyone to see, or have we only been letting it come out when it’s convenient for us?

How can we Pray for and with you this week?