Parables of the Kingdom

Gospel of Mark: Kingdom Invasion

Week #6: Parables of the Kingdom

VIDEO INTRODUCTION

ometimes a picture or metaphor can breed curiosity and bring understanding to a topic in a way that plain speech cannot achieve. In this week’s passage, look for what insights you gain about the kingdom of God through the parables Jesus tells.

READ Mark 4:1-34

• According to Mark 4:10-11, the Parable of the Sower (4:3-20) is about what?

• Describe the various responses people have to God’s call to participate in His kingdom:

(1)   Seed along the path (4:4,15)

(2)   Seed on Rocky Places (4:5-6, 16-17)

(3)   Seed Among Thorns (4:7, 18-19)

(4)   Seed on Good Soil (4:8,20)

• With which seed-soil do you most identify? Why?

• Even the seed on good soil had differing results, some multiplying thirty times, some sixty times, and others one hundred times. What do you think it means for citizens of God’s kingdom to bear fruit?

§         Why do you think some bear more fruit than others?

• What do you think is the main point Jesus is trying to teach about the kingdom of God through the Parable of the Growing Seed (4:26-29) and the Parable of the Mustard Seed (4:30-32)?

• What role does the farmer have for the growing seed, and what role does God have?

• Why do you think Jesus describes the kingdom as something that starts out small but grows into something large?

• Do you think kingdom growth is happening today? Why or why not?

§         If so, how?

TAKE AWAY

• How can you prepare the “soil” in your life to be a better participant in God’s kingdom?

§         Are there any places you are not receptive to God’s rule in your life? Name them.

§         Do you need to grow deeper roots in order to stand firm during troubles and persecutions? If so, how can you “grow deeper roots”?

§         Are there any “cares of this life” that are choking out God’s work in you? If so, what can you do to deal with these “thorns” to allow God’s seed in you to grow?

§         Is there anything you can do to bear even more fruit than you are today?

• What responsibilities do you have for the growth and expansion of God’s kingdom around you?

• In what ways is kingdom growth dependent on God and not on you? 

§         What does “dependence on God and not yourself” look like?

BLOGGING

The following questions will be posted on-line for comments:

• What stood out to you about the Parable of the Sower (4:3-20)? 

• What stood out to you about the Parable of the Growing Seed (4:26-29) and the Parable of the Mustard Seed (4:30-32)?

• What personal application did you get from this lesson?

• Do you have any other comments about this week’s passage and lesson?